More transparency needed in medical device import

The Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection will work to bring "more transparency" in the country's medical device import sector, especially devices related to cardiac, Director General AHM Shafiquzzaman of the directorate said yesterday.

The move will come in light of a recent drive during which anomalies in selling and managing such medical devices were found, the DG told a meeting at the directorate's office in the capital.

"When it comes to this sector, the level of patient satisfaction is very low," he added.

Similar medical devices have been sold at two to three times higher price in Bangladesh compared to a neighbouring country, he said.

He urged the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) to enhance its inspection over the sector.

Sophisticated cardiac-related medical devices include pacemakers, said meeting participants.

The DG said following the drive conducted based on complaints from consumers, administrative action was taken against one organisation that imports such devices.

It was fined and sealed off, he added.

There was a complaint regarding overpricing while there were also issues regarding management of the devices including that related to maintaining expiry date, he further said.

He said a committee will be formed consisting of representatives from various institutions including DNCRP, DGDA, Directorate General of Health Services, Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission, members of importers' association, and Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Bangladesh.

"A notification regarding formation of the committee could be issued tomorrow (today). It will be asked to submit a report a month later," he further said.

He said based on analysis it was found that there has been an import price of $30. It needs to be looked at whether such an accessory was sold at $30 or Tk 3 lakh.

He said the committee will look deeply at such issues.

Md Anwar Hossain, general secretary of Medical Device Importers Association of Bangladesh, said they try to maintain rules and regulation while importing medical devices.

He said the country's medical device sector is 95 percent dependent on imported products.

ATM Golam Kibria Khan, assistant director of DGDA, said they issue price certificate in case of imported products.

It is mandatory to have the maximum retail price mentioned on the package cover of imported products, he added.