Reacting to allegations of overcharging, Delhi Medical Association (DMA) wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that it was perturbed by charges related to implants.
Clearing its stand over the charges, DMA stated that price of implants was regulated by various governmental authorities; and the medical profession was not involved in deciding the process of pricing.
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The letter urged the government to bring implants, stents and devices under price control so that they could be made easily available at affordable prices. Delhi Medical Association also stated that it strongly supported a proper monitoring system to establish transparency regarding the appropriateness of indication and the quality of implant/ device.
DMA mentioned that, as according to the Medical Termination Act, opinion of two gynecologists was necessary for ensuring the assessment of risk, benefit and safety on the decision of termination of 12 to 20 week pregnancy.
These decisions must follow standard guidelines or appropriate criteria mentioned by the national and international professional societies. In an emergency a second opinion may be retrospectively incorporated in the records on the validity and appropriateness of the indication for emergent implantation.
DMA also recommended a setting up of an internal audit system or an audit committee in every hospital where stent and other devices were being implanted. DMA said it supported that all hospitals should display various stent devices and implants available on the shelf and off the shelf. Their cost, risk, and benefits should be made available to every patient.
