Govt reduces prices of oximeter and thermometer
Rohit Shishodia
In order to provide relief to people amid COVID-19 pandemic, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has capped the prices of pulse oximeter, blood pressure monitoring machine, nebulizer, digital thermometer, and glucometer.
These devices have been in great demand for the last one and half year due to the spread of virus.
“In a significant decision by the Union Government, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority exercising extraordinary powers in public interest, has capped the Trade Margin vide notification dated July 13, 2021, for five Medical Devices,” said the Chemicals and Fertilizer Ministry on July 24,2021 in a press release.
“The margin was capped up to 70% on price to distributor (PTD) level. Pursuant there to, a total of 684 products and brands of these medical devices have been reported as on July 23, 2021 and 620 products and brands (91%) have reported downward revision of MRP,” the ministry added.
The ministry said that the downward revision of MRP has been reported by imported and domestic brands across all the categories. The highest reduction in prices for Pulse Oximeters, Blood Pressure Monitoring Machine and Nebulizer has been reported by importers.
The revised MRP effective from July 20, 2021 on all the brands and specifications has been shared with the state Drug controllers for strict monitoring and enforcement.