The Medical Technology Association of India (MTaI) has raised concerns over recent media narratives regarding the interim pricing of drug-eluting stents (DES) under Gujarat’s Ayushman Bharat – Mukhyamantri Amrutam (AB-PMJAY-MA) scheme. The coverage, particularly around pricing disparities between domestic and globally approved stents, is being called misleading and damaging.
MTaI stresses that portraying global regulatory approvals as loopholes undermines India’s progressive, collaborative approach to ensuring access to advanced, safe, and validated medical technologies. It also threatens public trust in healthcare stakeholders—clinicians, regulators, manufacturers, and procurement officials.
Reaffirming confidence in India’s regulatory framework, MTaI highlighted the robustness of CDSCO under the Medical Device Rules, 2017, which align with international standards and are backed by recognized global authorities (TGA, USFDA, Health Canada, PMDA, EU bodies). As an IMDRF affiliate member, India is moving toward regulatory convergence, focused on patient safety and public health.
The introduction of differential pricing was intended to enhance access to life-saving technologies. However, the subsequent criticism and misinterpretations undermine this effort. MTaI argues that framing the policy rollback as a “win” against malpractice misrepresents its purpose and disrespects those working to improve healthcare access.
Rajasthan’s evidence-based model was cited as a constructive example. After expert review, the state adopted a pricing framework rooted in clinical evidence, such as RCTs and long-term studies, ensuring prioritization of safe, effective medical devices.
MTaI urges a shift away from speculative rhetoric toward a system based on science, transparency, and collaboration—one that protects patients, supports innovation, and strengthens the healthcare ecosystem.
