The Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has seized unlicensed medical devices worth ₹1 crore from the premises of the state-run GT Hospital and a wholesaler in Nanded. Officials suspect the devices were sold to patients, including those undergoing treatment in GT Hospital and JJ Hospital.
FDA officials received a tip-off about the devices being stocked in a room on GT Hospital premises. The officials raided a staff quarters on February 2 and found that an unlicensed firm, Medicol Surgical and Hospital Equipments, was being run there by Vineet Pimpale.
The FDA officials seized devices worth ₹4 lakh, which included orthopaedic implants, intramedulary nails and interlocking bolts. Investigations revealed that the devices were supplied by an unlicensed firm, Asclepios Enterprises, in Nanded. Orthopaedic implants worth ₹1.7 crore were seized.
Team heads to Gujarat
FDA Commissioner Harshdeep Kamble said, “The devices were manufactured by two companies in Gujarat. We have sent the devices for testing to check if they were of standard quality. A team will head to Gujarat for further investigation.” He said firms should ensure the devices are being sold to licensed wholesalers and distributors. “We are also investigating how Pimpale managed to run his firm from the premises of GT Hospital,” said Mr. Kamble.
