CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has recommended that the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) review pricing practices for commonly used hospital consumables and medical devices after a state survey found wide differences between procurement prices and printed maximum retail prices (MRPs).
The survey, conducted in July across hospitals in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, found substantial price gaps in several products. According to the FDA findings, an intravenous infusion set procured for ₹11.05 carried a printed MRP of ₹325, while a syringe purchased for ₹6.75 had an MRP of ₹57.20. A catheter procured for ₹29.41 carried an MRP of ₹310.
Mundhe said the FDA submitted its findings to the NPPA and recommended clearer guidelines on the permissible difference between trade procurement prices and declared MRPs. The proposal also seeks consideration of bringing frequently used medical consumables under an appropriate price-control framework.
The FDA has clarified that it does not have jurisdiction over hospital billing or charges for medical procedures. Its role in the matter was to bring the pricing discrepancies to the attention of the NPPA, which is empowered to regulate prices under the relevant framework.
The Centre has subsequently sought a report from the NPPA on the issue. The Department of Pharmaceuticals is expected to examine the authority’s analysis before deciding on further action.
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