Numerous U.S. hospitals have been targeted either by employees or outsiders posing as sales reps for medical equipment companies. In 2007, the FBI launched an investigation into thefts of endoscopes, which can cost as much as $35,000 and sell for as little as $5,000 on the black market.
In Canada, Montreal General and Montreal Children’s hospitals recently reported the theft of surgical kits used in orthopedic and trauma surgery, which are worth tens of thousands of dollars.
Read the Montreal Gazette report on surgical instrument theft.
Related Articles on Theft of Surgical Instruments:
Surgery Fellow Charged With Stealing Equipment at Jackson Memorial in Miami
Boston Scientific Warns Patients of Non-Sterile, Stolen Devices
Drugmakers, Device Makers Want Harsher Penalties for Theft
