New Delhi: A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi secured the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the occasion of India’s Independence Day 71 to lower prices for knee surgery, Ananth Kumar Minister of the Union For Chemicals and Fertilizers said National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has set the selling price of knee implants from Rs 54,000 to Rs 1.14 lakh, depending on the type of transplant, which means almost 70 percent lower than most of the costs of surgery.
However, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) will be added.
“After cardiac stents, we have now decided to bring knee implants under price control,” said Ananth Kumar, as he headed for the press conference.
The price of Cobalt chrome knee implants that govern about 80 percent of the market share is now set at Rs 54,720, which is currently available between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh, while titanium alloy Will now cost Rs 67,110 which were available for approximately Rs 2 lakh to Rs 2.5 lakh.
The NPPA has also formed different slabs based on the implant material and the part of the knee that needs to be replaced.
Cancer patients, who need an implant, will now have to pay Rs 1,13,950 for specialized implants. The previous cost was Rs 5 lakh and above.
Kumar also said that the government will take severe action against hospitals, importers, and retailers if they charge more than MRP.
“The government will take a severe action against hospitals, importers, and retailers if they charge more than the MRP. The government will not be a silent spectator of illegal and unethical speculation,” he added.
