The Korean branch of German medical device specialist B. Braun Korea said Thursday it had sharply cut the prices of its Introcan Safety intravenous catheters to promote access and prevent medical accidents.

The price cuts come as part of expanding its “Safety Project,” its corporate social responsibility (CSR) project launched in eight general hospitals nationwide, it said. The company aims to contribute to the prevention of needle injuries in hospitals by lowering price barriers, it added.

“We hope the number of injection accidents decreases drastically in Korea with the further expansion of the Safety Project, allowing hospital staff to work in a safer environment and to contribute more to patient treatment,” said Kim Hae-dong, CEO of B. Braun Korea.

The Introcan Safety catheter helps protect against blood-borne diseases caused by needlestick injuries due to its safety feature, the company said. A safety shield installed in the catheter covers the sharp needle tip when it is removed after catheter insertion, preventing accidental injuries, it said.

Government statistics show Korea had 274 cases of needlestick injuries from 2014 to 2016, including 117 cases that led to the development of blood-borne diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and syphilis.

Secondary infections from these accidents affect more than just doctors and nurses to include all those working in the hospital such as the janitorial staff, the company said.

Despite the infections, these catheters have not been picked up by local hospitals due to its high price, the company said.

In addition to selling the catheters at the same price as other general catheters, the company said, it would expand its Safety Program to central hospitals in Seoul and Gyeonggi Province and provide educational programs starting this year.

“The Safety Project started with B. Braun’s management policy that places patient and medical staff safety above all and the company’s willingness to contribute to strengthening the safety and improving the medical environment in Korea,” Kim said.

yjc@docdocdoc.co.kr

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