A forum that represents domestic medical device makers has called for a broad discussion across industry fora to define price mark-ups across the supply chain, that impact the end price for the consumer.
“We urge a multi-stakeholder dialogue with the Association of Healthcare Providers, IMA (Indian Medical Association), consumer and patient interest group(s) ...distributors, traders and importers’ associations, and insurers to define rational, ethical mark-ups across the supply chain — from import landed cost or ex-factory price to the final consumer price post-GST,” said the Association of the Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMed)
“This will enable fair pricing, reduce insurance premiums, and widen coverage ... The time is right to pilot an evidence-based policy on fair prices, moving beyond misleading inflated MRPs,” said Rajiv Nath, AiMed forum coordinator.
The Association was reacting to reports that the Centre was looking at reining in hospitals bills through measures, including caps on medical device prices.
If the Government initiates evidence-based pilots, consumers would be able to see “significant, rational price corrections on essential medical devices without compromising quality or supply,” he said.
“For example: a syringe with an ex-factory cost of ₹3 and MRP of ₹30 could have a fair price of ₹12; an IV cannula with ex-factory cost of ₹6 and MRP over ₹120 could be ₹24; a pacemaker imported at ~₹25,000 with MRP of ₹2 lakh could be ~₹75,000; and a heart valve imported at ~₹4 lakh with current MRP of ₹26 lakh could have a labelled fair price of ₹8 lakh,” Nath pointed out.
“We also support parallel pilots on trade association proposals, such as capping hospital billing at 50 per cent over procurement cost. The objective is to enable rational profits that sustain quality and service, while preventing profiteering and restoring trust in the marketplace,” he added.
Consumer policy expert Bejon Misra told businessline that consumers should be empowered to understand that they are paying the right price point. “There has to be a neutral body that plays the regulator’s role to do a surveillance ...a study to understand what is the mark-up,” he said, calling for a relook at the manner in which pricing is done across industries, and whether consumers were paying the right price.
Published on April 22, 2026