Financing implants and prostheses in the midst of budgetary constraints

Abstract

Budgetary constraints for the purchase of operative implants and prostheses stimulated a strategy which involved the purchase of less costly alternatives, which although manufactured in developing countries, met specifications. To minimize costs through high turnover, implants and prostheses were purchased from a few reliable companies and its agents. In addition to almost doubling the threshold from RM400 to RM750, over which the patient had to pay for the implant or prostheses, the strategy enabled staff to be quickly become familiar with instrumentation and procedure through repetitive operative experience using the same system. In addition, the practice of acquiring infrequently used implants and prostheses only when required prevented the holding of massive inventories of these expensive devices which may perhaps not be used.