New Delhi, : The Committee on Petitions, Rajya Sabha, in its 164th Report, has called for the development of an efficient and transparent regulatory mechanism to address the issue of exorbitant pricing of cardiac stents and other medical devices in India. The report, presented in Parliament, responds to a petition highlighting concerns over affordability, pricing disparities, and the need for stronger oversight in the medical devices sector.

The Committee emphasized that while India has made progress in regulating the prices of certain critical medical devices, including cardiac stents under price control mechanisms, there remains a pressing need to ensure sustained affordability, transparency in pricing, and wider regulatory coverage across the sector. It noted that high costs of life-saving devices continue to place a significant financial burden on patients, particularly in critical care scenarios.

Highlighting the importance of a patient-centric approach, the Committee recommended the formulation of a robust, data-driven pricing framework that ensures fair pricing without compromising on quality, innovation, and availability of advanced medical technologies. The report also underscored the need for greater coordination between regulatory bodies, including the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) and other relevant stakeholders, to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms.

The Committee further stressed the importance of transparency in procurement, supply chains, and hospital billing practices, noting that disparities in pricing across institutions contribute to patient distrust and financial strain. It recommended measures to enhance traceability, standardization, and disclosure norms for medical devices, particularly high-value implants such as cardiac stents.

In addition, the report highlighted the need to encourage domestic manufacturing and innovation in the medical devices sector to reduce dependence on imports and bring down costs in the long term. Strengthening the ecosystem through policy support, infrastructure development, and incentives for local manufacturers was identified as a key step towards achieving sustainable affordability.

The Committee’s recommendations align with the broader vision of ensuring accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for all, while balancing the interests of patients, healthcare providers, and industry stakeholders. The report is expected to play a crucial role in shaping future policy interventions aimed at improving pricing regulation and strengthening governance in India’s medical devices landscape.