Written by:Saravanan Nagappan
President, Malaysian Ostomy Association (MOsA)
In recent years, there are many ostomate raising concern about quality of ostomy products. They have noticed a troubling trend, the cost of ostomy products is steadily rising, yet the quality of these essential medical supplies is on the decline. This growing disparity is causing frustration, health concerns, and financial hardship for thousands who rely on these products every day. We have to understand ostomy supplies are not optional for ostomates, it’s very important and essential product for daily living.
A Lifeline Becomes a Burden
Who using this products? Patients who living with conditions like colorectal cancer, Inflammation bowel disease (IBD) and other rare colon related illness is the one highly depending on those products. As we knew, these patients already burden with high cost for their treatments. Now additional cost has to be cover by patients for their daily life. However, ostomates has no choices, they have to buy these products even the price is raising. But the main questions are these products worth it for the money they paid? The answer is NO. In recent times, looks like the companies more care for making profit rather than for the quality of the product. The very basic function of these products reliably to prevent leakage, skin damage, and infection. But patients are increasingly reporting issues such as:
Rising Costs, Declining Confidence
We do understand, the cost of ostomy supplies has risen due to a combination of few factors such as increase price of raw material, inflation and supply chain disruptions. To solve this problem some companies many to cut their manufacturing costs by moving their production factory to other countries. Still patients are left paying more for products that no longer meet the same standards. This has a direct impact on ostomate quality of life. For ostomates when an ostomy product fails, it’s not just inconvenient, it’s humiliating, painful, and sometimes dangerous. People are afraid to leave the house, not able to sleep
peacefully at night and more because as an end user they can’t trust their supplies anymore.
History
When we look back at the early years of ostomy product development, it’s clear that these products have undergone significant advancements over time. Innovations driven by technological progress and research have led to the discovery of new features, greatly benefiting ostomates. However, in recent years, the situation seems to have reversed. Despite access to the latest technology, the quality of ostomy products appears to be declining and that is concerning.
Advocacy and Accountability
Patient advocacy groups must now take a more active role by raising awareness of the issues and urging manufacturers to prioritize product quality and transparency. These groups should hold ostomy product companies accountable for the harm they have caused and demand public reporting on their actions and improvements.
Mr. Saravanan Nagappan who is the current President of the Malaysian Ostomy Association (MOsA) is seated second to the left.
Final Thoughts
For people living with stoma bag, reliable supplies are not a luxury they’re a necessity. The rising cost and declining quality of these products represent a quiet crisis in healthcare, one that deserves urgent attention from industry leaders, policymakers, and the public. Until then, patients continue to pay the price financially, emotionally, and physically. Always remember, Ostomates deserve dignity, respect and proper care. When companies cut corners to protect profits, it’s the patients who pay the price. Please respect feelings of Ostomates.
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