Stent Controversy: Padma Vibhushan Cardiologist Dr Purshotam Lal Speaks
ASHISH KEDIA , TEN NEWS
Padma Vibhushan awarded Senior Cardiologist Dr. Purshotam Lal Talks about Stent Controversy
TN: What is you View on Recent Stent Controversy?
Dr.PL: I don’t think there is a stent controversy. In 2002 itself I have written an article on how foreign companies are ripping patients. At that time we had a stent which would cost One Lakh Thirsty Seven Thousand. The basic idea behind cost reduction should be to find out in what way it can do good for patients. Reducing cost is good for low-income groups and is a great step. We have been putting stents in Government Patients as well. We have been putting the stents in to government patients such as CGHS, FCI, ECHS, ESI etc. at the cost of 23,000. These are also good quality stents. However the people who can afford latest generation can pay extra for the same. It is not advisable to put all stents in same basket.
Clinical data and past patient records play an important role. It is also significant to maintain patients trust. So this step that has been taken has not been taken properly. No doubt it is a good step. Price regulation is required. But telling that all stents are same and putting a maximum cost cap would not allow latest technologies to come in India. One who can afford advance technology may prefer to visit other countries for the same. Even today’s stents are good but we cannot put a full-stop on the research and should keep our doors open to better options in future.
