Rohit Shishodia                                   
In the first case of payment of compensation in the faulty ASR hip implants matter, the  Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has directed Johnson & Johnson to pay Rs 74,57,180 to a patient from Maharashtra within 30 days of the order.

The CDSCO has stated that Johnson & Johnson should also submit a copy of acknowledgement from the patient about payment of compensation. The CDSCO’s directions are based on recommendations of the Central Expert Committee and State Level Committee who thoroughly examined the case of the patient whose body was impacted by faulty implants.

The CDSCO said that this is the first case where Johnson & Johnson has been directed to pay compensation for the faulty ASR hip implants.

An expert panel was formed by the health ministry under the chairmanship of Dr Arun Kumar Agarwal, Ex-Dean and Professor of ENT, Maulana Azad Medical College, Delhi, to examine the issues relating to faulty ASR hip implants manufactured by Johnson & Johnson.  

After examining Dr Agarwal’s findings and recommendations on the issue, the health minister constituted the Central Expert Committee headed by Dr RK Arya, Director, Sports Injury Centre, Safdarjung hospital, Delhi, to ascertain the quantum of compensation to the affected patients. Several states and UTs also formed State Level Committees to recommend the formula of compensation.