Islamabad(July 05, 2018): The Apex Court (SC) on Thursday summoned all the relevant individuals including Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (Drap) chairman and secretary finance on July 7 in medical stents case.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar heard the case.
Click Play Button To Watch This Video
During hearing, the CJP remarked, “I had announced the good news regarding the price of stent in Rs1 lac. Who is responsible for the non-implementation on the orders?”
Dr Azhar Kiyani told court that issues in the cost of stents is due to the increase in the dollar prices as both have been interlinked.
“The court was told that the stent will be induced to heart patients from Rs60,000 to Rs1 lac. I think that we are standing on the same point where we were before and not moving forward,” remarked the CJP.
“Let us call Drap chairman and secretary finance. We will sort out the issue today. The sick people should receive the gift of cheaper stents,” said the Chief Justice.
The case was adjourned till Saturday as the arguments concluded.
SC Orders To Produce Cardiac Stents By May At Any Cost
Earlier on February 03, Supreme Court (SC) ordered to produce cardiac stents in Pakistan by May at any cost.
Conducting hearing on the suo moto notice, Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar asked from Dr Samar Mubarak about the production of the stents over which he said that he imported machine from Germany in 2004 to produce 10,000 stent annually.
The plan was initiated with the cost of Rs37 million, he added.
CJP asked to inform about the performance and working of the project in written over which Additional Attorney General said that audit of Rs37 million was not done while no plea is pending in Drug Regulatory Authority in this regard.
Meanwhile, National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) officials said that the machine was purchased for 30 million over which CJP ordered to produce Pakistani stents ant any cost till May, adding that those who donot want to work should better leave the country.
Subsequently, the court directed audit of Rs37,000,000 and also sought angioplasty report from PIMS.
Earlier, Chief Executive Officer (CIO) of Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) Aslam Afghani had briefed the standing committee of National Assembly and admitted that many patients were given fake stents which risks their lives.
He stated, “Some companies are manufacturing fake stents in Pakistan”. “Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) carried out a raid and discovered that stents worth only Rs 20,000 were being sold for Rs 2,50,000”, DRAP chief added.
Aslam Afghani told that just 55 stents were registered before the scandal while the number had jumped up to 80 afterward. “Prices will be decided in coming DRAP pricing policy”, he assured.
Related News:
