The capping of trade margins on five medical devices has resulted in price reduction of 620 brands, the Chemicals and Fertilisers ministry said on Saturday. The five brands whose prices were capped by the National Pharmaceuticals Pricing Authority (NPPA) on July 13 are: oximeter, glucometer, BP monitor, nebuliser and digital thermometer. The maximum downward revision has been reported by an imported brand of pulse oximeter, showing reduction of ₹2,95,375 per unit, it further said. In order to monitor availability, the manufacturers/importers of these medical devices have been directed to submit quarterly stock details," said the ministry. The NPPA said in its letter that the need to make medical devices affordable was felt during the evolving situation of Covid-19 pandemic.

Source: Hindustan Times July 24, 2021 11:48 UTC