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Health
Maharashtra FDA flags wide price gaps in hospital consumables, asks Centre to review
✍️ Mid-Day
🗓 17 Sep 2026, 09:16 AM
👁 8
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Authority has identified significant price disparities in hospital consumables and has requested the central government to examine the issue.
The Maharashtra Food and Drug Authority (FDA) has released a report highlighting large price differentials in essential hospital consumables such as syringes, gloves and catheters. The agency said that the cost variations across suppliers and regions are far beyond normal market fluctuations, creating a financial burden for patients and healthcare providers.
In response, the state FDA has formally asked the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to conduct a detailed review of pricing mechanisms and to consider corrective measures. The request underscores concerns that unchecked price gaps could compromise the affordability of basic medical care.
Officials noted that the findings are based on recent procurement data from public hospitals and private clinics across Maharashtra. They emphasized that a coordinated central review could help standardize pricing, improve transparency and protect vulnerable patients from excessive charges.
The state FDA has not disclosed exact figures in the public statement, but indicated that the disparities are “huge” and warrant immediate attention from the centre. The ministry is expected to convene a meeting with state representatives to discuss possible regulatory interventions.
If the central government acts on the recommendation, it could lead to revised price caps or stricter monitoring of supply chains for medical consumables nationwide.
In response, the state FDA has formally asked the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to conduct a detailed review of pricing mechanisms and to consider corrective measures. The request underscores concerns that unchecked price gaps could compromise the affordability of basic medical care.
Officials noted that the findings are based on recent procurement data from public hospitals and private clinics across Maharashtra. They emphasized that a coordinated central review could help standardize pricing, improve transparency and protect vulnerable patients from excessive charges.
The state FDA has not disclosed exact figures in the public statement, but indicated that the disparities are “huge” and warrant immediate attention from the centre. The ministry is expected to convene a meeting with state representatives to discuss possible regulatory interventions.
If the central government acts on the recommendation, it could lead to revised price caps or stricter monitoring of supply chains for medical consumables nationwide.