Many heart patients in India are too poor to afford pacemakers. But a studypublished in the American Journal of Cardiology has found that removing pacemakers from deceased Americans, resterilizing the devices and implanting them in Indian patients “is very safe and effective.” according to Science Daily.
Fifty-three poor patients in Mumbai received pacemakers that had been donated by the families of deceased Americans. Without pacemakers, they likely would have died within weeks or months. But in India, a pacemaker costs $2,200 to $6,600, which is well beyond the means of many patients.
The US Food and Drug Administration prohibits reusing pacemakers in the United States. But there is no prohibition against donating and reusing pacemakers in other countries.
What this means
Once you get beyond he ghoulish implications, this is probably a good way to provide value and life extension to indigent patients.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
