Govt Slashes Knee Implant Prices By 70 Percent:- Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Ananth Kumar said the selling price of knee implants has been fixed by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) from Rs 54,000 to Rs 1.14 lakh. The price will be fixed, depending on the type of transplant. Compared to the surgery costs, the price will be 70% lowered. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) will however, not be exempted.
This move comes a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the nation of bringing down the prices of knee surgery on the occasion of India’s 71st Independence Day.
“After cardiac stents, we have now decided to bring knee implants under price control,” Ananth Kumar said, while addressing the press conference.
It is well known that the chromium Cobalt knee implants rule about 80% of the market share and the price for it is now fixed at Rs 54,720. These implants are currently available between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh. The Titanium alloy that were earlier available for about Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh, will now cost Rs 67,110.
Based on the implant material and the part of the knee that needs to be replaced, the NPAA has also formed different slabs.
The cancer patients, who need an implant, will now have to pay Rs 1,13,950 for specialized implants. The earlier cost was Rs 5 lakh and above.
“The government will take a stringent action against hospitals, importers, and retailers, if they charge in excess of the MRP. The government will not be a mute spectator to illegal and unethical profiteering,” Mr. Kumar added.
SUPRAJA
