Hospital Bills Under Scrutiny: Mundhe Highlights ₹11 Product Carrying ₹325 MRP

Maharashtra FDA Chief Tukaram Mundhe Flags Huge Price Gaps in Hospital Consumables

Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe has raised concerns over the wide gap between the procurement prices and printed Maximum Retail Prices (MRPs) of medical consumables used in hospitals.

According to findings from a Maharashtra FDA survey, an IV infusion set purchased at ₹11.05 carried an MRP of ₹325, representing a markup of about 2,841%. A 10 ml syringe procured for ₹6.75 had an MRP of ₹57.20, while a catheter purchased for ₹29.41 carried an MRP of ₹310. 

Mundhe said patients undergoing treatment often have little opportunity to know the actual procurement cost of consumables or compare prices while receiving medical care. He argued that the large gap between trade prices and printed MRPs raises concerns about price transparency and regulation of hospital consumables. 

Mundhe Seeks Pricing Review

The Maharashtra FDA has submitted its findings and recommendations to the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), seeking consideration of pricing controls and clearer rules for commonly used medical devices and consumables. The FDA has also clarified that it does not itself have the authority to regulate hospital bills or the prices of these products. 

The issue has also prompted the Centre to seek a report from the NPPA on the pricing gaps highlighted by the Maharashtra FDA.