FDA Chief Raises Alarm Over 2,841% Markup on Hospital Supplies, Ask Center To Intervene
What Happened
Tukaram Mundhe, Commissioner of the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has highlighted steep markups on hospital consumables and urged the Centre to intervene. A Maharashtra survey found that an IV infusion set purchased at ₹11.05 carried a printed MRP of ₹325, a markup of 2,841%. Other examples included a syringe bought for ₹6.75 and sold at an MRP of ₹57.20, and a catheter procured for ₹29.41 but carrying an MRP of ₹310. Mundhe has recommended a review by the Department of Pharmaceuticals and the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).
Key Takeaways
The issue highlights a potential regulatory gap in pricing of medical devices and hospital consumables. While many medicines are covered under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013, several consumables and devices are not subject to similar controls. Mundhe has called for clearer pricing guidelines, monitoring of margins, and greater transparency so that patients are not burdened with excessive charges during treatment.