In a press conference held at 11:30 AM on Tuesday (August 12) at the Health Directorate’s meeting room in Mohakhali, Dhaka, DGDA Director Dr. Md. Akhtar Hossain shared this update. He stated, “To ensure affordability and steady supply of these critical life-saving medical devices, the government has taken steps to regulate their prices. On April 13, the Ministry of Health formed an expert advisory committee comprising renowned cardiac, vascular, and neurosurgeons. After three meetings, the committee reviewed the prices of stents from three American companies. Considering neighboring countries’ prices, taxes, VAT, and other charges, the Health Services Division re-fixed the maximum retail prices of stents on August 3, based on recommendations from the July 8 meeting.”
Dr. Akhtar Hossain added that the new prices will significantly reduce treatment costs for patients. However, some importers, holding stocks purchased at older prices, requested additional time for implementation. Public pressure for the new prices has increased in hospitals following media reports. He clarified, “As per the ministry’s directive, the new prices will be effective from October 1. Additionally, based on the expert committee’s recommendations, the DGDA will continue to rationally re-fix or newly determine prices for all medical devices used in heart treatment.”
