Concerns were raised on whether multinational companies would be able to launch their newer technologies in India at this new price point
Cardiologists underscored the need to balance technological innovation with cost-effectiveness in the stents space. Experts were of the considered opinion that coronary angioplasty patients stand to greatly benefit, should they make a choice based both upon the price as well as the technological edge of stents, under their doctor’s advisement. This is essential, according to these experts, due to the critical nature of the intervention and the long-term outlook needed in these cases.National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is slashing stent prices by up to 85 per cent, the jury is still out on how lower prices may actually cause a departure of better and advanced stents from India. According to Dr Upendra Kaul, Dean and Executive Director, Fortis Escorts Hospital, “We are constantly asked by patients and caregivers about the new stent prices. There cannot be any compromise on the long-term and immediate efficacy in any vascular scaffold (stent) solution. The price control is undoubtedly a good move for poor patients, but there is a question of market viability for manufacturers. Thankfully, as of now all the companies are following the new price regime for their stent portfolio including their latest generation offerings. However the concern remains whether multinational companies would be able to launch their newer technologies in India at this new price point. Good news for patients is that Asian multinational MicroPort which has recently launched its operations in India has voluntarily offered their latest generation innovative Target Eluting Stent at new price.”
National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is slashing stent prices by up to 85 per cent, the jury is still out on how lower prices may actually cause a departure of better and advanced stents from India. According to Dr Upendra Kaul, Dean and Executive Director, Fortis Escorts Hospital, “We are constantly asked by patients and caregivers about the new stent prices. There cannot be any compromise on the long-term and immediate efficacy in any vascular scaffold (stent) solution. The price control is undoubtedly a good move for poor patients, but there is a question of market viability for manufacturers. Thankfully, as of now all the companies are following the new price regime for their stent portfolio including their latest generation offerings. However the concern remains whether multinational companies would be able to launch their newer technologies in India at this new price point. Good news for patients is that Asian multinational MicroPort which has recently launched its operations in India has voluntarily offered their latest generation innovative Target Eluting Stent at new price.”Dr Anil Dhall, Head of interventional cardiology, Venkateshwar Hospital said, “Companies which were manufacturing stents at highest price-points earlier may have had a perception of unrivalled quality, particularly amongst some patient classes. Today, we must make these patients aware that premise of price on its own should not be the sole determinant of quality. I have observed some great innovation and research in Asian majors and am happy to understand that stents are now available to my patients at low prices and at highest quality metrics.”
Dr Anil Dhall, Head of interventional cardiology, Venkateshwar Hospital said, “Companies which were manufacturing stents at highest price-points earlier may have had a perception of unrivalled quality, particularly amongst some patient classes. Today, we must make these patients aware that premise of price on its own should not be the sole determinant of quality. I have observed some great innovation and research in Asian majors and am happy to understand that stents are now available to my patients at low prices and at highest quality metrics.”Dr Dhall further said, “Target Eluting Stent-Firehawk is one of the most premium stents in the markets where it is available and its good news for the patients, if it is available in India at new price point. Engineering concept used in Target Eluting Stent is very innovative and may reduce the chances of Stent Thrombosis (Blood Clotting) as suggested by some initial clinical data. Stent thrombosis still remains a concern as it may lead to chest pain and death in some patients who have undergone angioplasty.”
Dr Dhall further said, “Target Eluting Stent-Firehawk is one of the most premium stents in the markets where it is available and its good news for the patients, if it is available in India at new price point. Engineering concept used in Target Eluting Stent is very innovative and may reduce the chances of Stent Thrombosis (Blood Clotting) as suggested by some initial clinical data. Stent thrombosis still remains a concern as it may lead to chest pain and death in some patients who have undergone angioplasty.”The debate on the path ahead for cardiac care alternatives and outcomes currently available in India outlines the fact that pricing innovation is being led by some Asian majors and their manufacturing processes match the highest global standards. The experts are of the consensus that patients need to now rightfully demand the most advanced and next generation stents like target eluting stents within the regulated costs. They believe that low cost should no way lead to any compromise in patient care.
The debate on the path ahead for cardiac care alternatives and outcomes currently available in India outlines the fact that pricing innovation is being led by some Asian majors and their manufacturing processes match the highest global standards. The experts are of the consensus that patients need to now rightfully demand the most advanced and next generation stents like target eluting stents within the regulated costs. They believe that low cost should no way lead to any compromise in patient care.
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