In a significant decision by the Union Government, National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has capped the Trade Margin of five Medical Devices.
According to press release issued by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, these Medical devises are Pulse Oximeter, Blood Pressure Monitoring Machine, Nebulizer,Digital Thermometer and Glucometer.
The margin was capped up to 70% on Price to Distributor (PTD) level. Pursuant there to, a total of 684 products/brands of these medical devices have been reported as on 23rd July 2021 and 620 products/brands (91%) have reported downward revision of MRP.
The maximum downward revision has been reported by imported brand of Pulse Oximeter, showing reduction of Rs. 2,95,375 per unit. The details of price reduction are given in the table below:
Sl. No | Medical Devices | No of Brands Reported after the Notification | No of Brands reported Downward revision of MRP | Maximum Reduction Reported in MRP | |
| Rs | Percentage | ||||
| 1A | Pulse Oximeter – Finger tip | 136 | 127 (93%) | 5,150 | 88% |
| 1B | Pulse Oximeter – Others | 73 | 62 (85%) | 2,95,375 | 47% |
| 2 | Blood Pressure Monitoring Machine | 216 | 195 (90%) | 6,495 | 83% |
| 3 | Nebulizer | 137 | 124 (91%) | 15,175 | 77% |
| 4 | Digital Thermometer | 88 | 80 (91%) | 5,360 | 77% |
| 5 | Glucometer | 34 | 32 (94%) | 1,500 | 80% |
| Total | 684 | 620 (91%) |
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 20th July 2021 on all the brands and specifications has been shared with the State Drug Controllers for strict monitoring and enforcement.
This significant move has received support from Industry Associations like FICCI, AdvaMed, and AMCHAM the ministry press release said.