NPPA team raids Alchemist Hospital to check stent prices

Tribune News Service

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Panchkula, February 20

To ensure that the Government of India’s decision of lowering rates of cardiac stents is being implemented, a team of the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority conducted a raid at the Alchemist Hospital in Sector 21 here, today.

However, the team returned satisfied with the hospital’s rates and implementation of the order.

Narendra Ahuja Vivek, Assistant Drug Controller, Haryana, said, “We conducted raids in 14 places today around Haryana. In Panchkula, the Alchemist Hospital was raided but we found that they were not overcharging for cardiac stents.” However, the team has asked the hospital to ensure that the patients know about the order passed by the government and tell them the exact prices of stents.

On February 14, the Government of India had fixed the price of metal cardiac stents at Rs 7,260 and that of drug eluting stent at Rs 27,000, exclusive of taxes.

According to Vivek, there was a rumour that a shortage of stents had arisen and hence prices were increased. To check this practice, raids are being conducted at various places.