After bringing orthopedic knee implant system under price control, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has stepped up efforts to ensure that all types of orthopedic knee implant system which are mentioned in the NPPA price cap order dated August 16, 2017 are available in hospitals and with distributors.

 Earlier on August 16 this year, in a move that is expected to benefit over three crore arthritis patients in the country, the national drug price controller NPPA had issued a notification slashing the prices of knee implants ranging from 59 to 69 per cent using a special provision in the drug pricing law that enables it to intervene in "extraordinary circumstances" in public interest.

As per the notification, all manufacturers, importers and marketers of orthopedic knee implant system and the hospitals are required to comply with the notified ceiling price of orthopedic knee implant system and to adhere to all the instructions issued in letter and spirit. All manufactures and importers are under legal obligation to maintain smooth production and supply of orthopedic knee implant system of all brands which were available in the country before price cap. The companies manufacturing orthopedic knee implant system in India have also been directed to maintain production/import/supply of orthopedic knee implant system.

As per the notification, the standard, widely used cobalt chromium in knee replacement surgery will now cost Rs. 54,720 as against an earlier MRP of Rs. 1,58,324. Similarly, the price of special metals like titanium and oxidised zirconium have been slashed by almost 70 per cent, to Rs. 76,600 from Rs. 2.49 lakh. In case of revision knee replacement, which is usually done if the primary replacement fails, prices of implants have been cut by 59 per cent.  Primary knee replacement system has been fixed in the price range of Rs. 38,740, Rs. 24,280, Rs. 16,990, Rs. 9,550 and Rs. 4,090 respectively based on the patient’s condition and requirement.

Now, stepping up its efforts to ensure availability of all these medical devices in the country, the NPPA has informed all hospitals, doctors and patients that if there is any shortage of the orthopedic knee implant system whose prices have been capped which are appearing as Table on at para 9 of the notification, they should inform the NPPA immediately about such shortage.  For this purpose, they can call NPPA's toll free helpline number 1800111255; lodge a complaint through grievance redressal system "PHARMA JAN SAMADHAN" by visiting the website of NPPA atwww.nppaindia.nic.in; message the complaint through WhatsApp on mobile number 9868732782; or send an email to me.nppa2015@gmail.com.

Immediately after the receipt of the complaint, NPPA will initiate action on priority basis to ensure the availability of knee implant system at places where the shortage was reported.  Besides, all SDCs have been requested to carryout checks to ensure that all types of the orthopedic knee implant system which are appearing in the NPPA order dated  August 16, 2017 are available in hospitals and with distributors.

If required, necessary inspections should be carried at place of business of knee implant system companies/ distributors/ hospitals under para 30 of DPCO, 2013 and take necessary action.  A report in this regard may be sent to NPPA subsequently, the NPPA stated.