Govt reduces prices of 10 cardiac stents

Staff Reporter :

The interim government of Bangladesh has lowered the maximum retail prices of 10 coronary stents from leading manufacturers Abbott, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic. The decision follows recommendations by a specialist advisory committee and a review of both international and domestic market rates.

According to a notice issued by the health ministry on Monday, the revised prices include applicable taxes, VAT, service charges, and a reasonable company profit margin.

The price adjustment comes amid rising concerns over the significantly higher cost of stents in Bangladesh compared to neighboring India. Key price revisions include:
Resolute Onyx (Medtronic): Reduced from Tk 140,500 to Tk 90,000
Promus Elite (Boston Scientific): Tk 79,000 to Tk 72,000
Synergy XID (Boston Scientific): Tk 188,000 to Tk 100,000
Xience Prime (Abbott): Tk 66,600 to Tk 50,000
Onyx Trucor (Medtronic): Tk 72,500 to Tk 50,000
Several other stents from Abbott and Boston Scientific have also seen notable reductions.

The ministry has directed that the updated price list be clearly displayed at all relevant facilities. Additionally, hospitals are prohibited from charging more than 5% of the stent price as a service fee for implantation procedures.

Strict oversight has also been mandated to ensure cardiovascular and neuro-implant devices are not sold above the newly approved MRPs.