Distributors to stop stent supply to public hospitals

Thiruvananthapuram: As arrears towards supplied stents grossed Rs 69 crores, distributors of the product has decided to stop the supply from July 20.

Cath labs in government Medical College Hospitals across the state are likely to be affected as the Chamber of Distributors of Medical Implants and Disposables (CDMID) is planning to stop the supply.

The stents were supplied to hospital authorities directly as it is used for surgical proceedings. The supplies were provided based on lowest quota and on a condition of payment within 60 days from the medicine distribution from the medical college authorities.

Distributors' association had held talks with authorities various level seeking clearance of the due. However, no steps have been taken to resolve the issue.

In June the representatives of stents and medicine resumed the supply of the equipment to Kozhikode Medical College after the district collector assured the release of first installment towards clearance of the pending dues within two days. However, no action followed.

Medical College authorities had warned that non-supply of medicines and surgical equipment would derail the functioning of the hospitals.