HYDERABAD: In a bid to clear the air on the recent ‘stents’ controversy that rocked the medical fraternity, NIMS director D Prasada Rao said, “There is absolutely no scam or controversy in buying these stents in NIMS. We follow a very transparent procedure.” Addressing newsmen here on Thursday, he said, “We have appointed a committee consisting of seven senior cardiologists from various institutions. We follow the guidelines and suggestions of this committee for buying stents. The committee has accepted 12 stents this year. Only these are suggested to the patients, who then choose from among them depending on their economic and health condition. There is no compromise as only the highest quality stents are used.” According to him, the committee before approving a stent also considers their approval by the FDA (a US government regulator), CE (a European authorising body) and the DGCI (Indian health regulatory body).
K Sarat Chandra, additional professor, Department of Cardiology, NIMS said, “The recent procedure of tender/rate contract adopted by NIMS was based on a standard practice followed in most government and private hospitals. It is intended to ensure availability of quality and latest products at the lowest possible price to patients.” Referring to former minister Metla Satyanarayana filing a case in the High Court against NIMS for not implanting the stent (Cypher) of his choice, the doctors said that particular type of stent did not have FDA approval and was very expensive.
“Not having Cypher stents in the hospital does not mean there are no good stents available for implanting in patients. It is one of the old generation stents and has passed its time,” observed Shailendra Singh, interventional cardiologist, Kamineni Hospitals. However, Prasada Rao said they were ready to implant Cypher stent for the minister provided it is bought from outside.
