Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI), which represents leading research-based medical technology companies with significant manufacturing investments in India, on Monday welcomed Delhi government’s initiative to cap profit margins in healthcare but asked for a wider consultation to ensure that a balanced approach is adopted for patients’ wellbeing.

Media reports suggest that a nine-member committee was set up five months ago to suggest the scope of profit margins on medicines and consumables. The committee comprised of members of Delhi Medical Council, Indian Medical Associations and some bureaucrats in the health department. It is also reported that Delhi government will issue a policy based on the recommendation of the committee in next few days.

The panel is said to have suggested capping of the profit margin for drugs and devices at a maximum of 50 per cent above the manufacturing price or procurement cost, whichever was lower.

“The move is in the right direction as profiteering must stop. We are in support of the initiative taken by the state government. However, in the interest of the same patients, it is necessary to come out with a policy after hearing all stakeholders and assessing their importance in maintaining a state of good health. The current constitution of the committee is limited and it is unlikely that resultant policy would be a balanced one. We have not even been formally informed of the formation of such a committee,” MTaI said in a statement.

“While we support the profit margin of 50 per cent, we differ on what should constitute ‘the base’.  Acceptable criteria to both industry and central government stakeholders is suggested in the Report of The Committee of High Trade Margins in the Sale of Drugs, commissioned by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP). It is important for Delhi government to avoid looking at a wrong base of manufacturing cost, which is open to manipulation through artificial inflation of raw material and intermediary costs. A perspective, so informed, will also ensure uninterrupted supply of critical care products and thus enduringly protect patient interest,” MTaI added.

The Report of The Committee of High Trade Margins in the Sale of Drugs recommends that profit margin should be the difference between the Price to Trade -- the price at which the manufacturer or marketing company sells the drug to the distributor or stockiest -- and the MRP. The report adds that “the government should consider capping the overall trade margins, thus, giving a level playing field to every trade channel. Industry should have the flexibility to decide intra-trade channel percentage considering multiple factors of market access and supplies”. The report is currently under the consideration of the DoP. “This suggestion, once implemented, will significantly reduce MRPs and yet keep innovative, high quality products available for all sections of Indian patients. Moreover, it will allow the companies to continue to do the training they provide to the healthcare workers on the use of these devices. It will usher in greater transparency in the pricing of medical devices, leading to more accessibility and affordability,” MTaI said.

“Considering the urgency of the matter at hand of the policymakers, we have requested the health minister of the Delhi government to give us an opportunity to explain our views in detail to enable formation of a widely acceptable policy. To ensure lasting success of the policy, the state government should proceed only after all stake holders, including the medical technology industry, have been heard and their contentions have been understood thoroughly,” the association said.