Treatment of heart disease: distribution of surgical instruments still in crisis

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The strike of the companies which stopped the supply of surgical materials to the government hospitals will continue. This is in a situation where no decision was made regarding payment of dues in the meeting held at the Health Minister's office yesterday. 143 crores from 19 government hospitals is to be paid to 30 companies. This is due from October 2022.

The office bearers of the Chamber of Distributors for Medical Implants and Disposables have demanded to receive at least the dues till December 2023. The health minister's office replied that they would look into it next week. Suppliers say that manufacturers are not supplying materials because they have not paid yet. All hospitals have at least two weeks' worth of supplies in stock. It will be problematic after that.

The supply of medical supplies like pacemakers for the treatment of heart disease and stent, balloon and valve required for angioplasty is in crisis. If supply to cardiology, cardiovascular and thoracic surgery departments stops, patients will suffer. If the problem is not resolved this week, hospitals will only be able to perform emergency surgeries.

Hospitals with huge payment arrears

Thiruvananthapuram Medical College - 49.17 crores

Kozhikode Medical College-23.14 Crores

Kottayam Medical College- 17.55 Crores

Eranakulam General Hospital-10.97 crores

Pariaram Medical College-10.76 crores

Alappuzha Medical College -7.79 crores