Drugs body says list disposables

Disposables like syringes, needles, gloves, catheters, blood grouping sera and devices are billed by hospitals without giving individual prices to the patients. In the case of HIV, Hepatitis B and C patients, it has been found that a combined amount of `20,000 to `50,000 is charged in case surgery is needed.

The drugs administration says patients must be informed of the maximum retail price of these devices.

A senior drug control officer said, “After the price cap on stents, the government wants disposable medical devices which are regularly used must be properly listed on the bill and their market price must be mentioned.”

Hospitals and chemists have been asked to take these products from notified manufacturers and not from unregistered suppliers.

With the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority defining medical devices as ‘drugs’ the patient must be informed how much each device costs.

Another drug inspector said if goods without MRP labels are used, the hospitals could face action.

Mr Rakesh Gupta, president of the Telangana Chemists Association, said, “The government must ensure that they are allowed to buy medical devices from the open market.” Hospitals buy the medicines as well as devices from their pharmacies.