Philips refutes article claims

AMSTERDAM – Philips disagrees with “characterizations” made in recent articles that say the company knew for several years about problems with certain ventilators and sleep apnea devices. 

ProPublica and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Sept. 27 published an article saying that Philips knew about a dangerous breakdown inside its widely used ventilators and sleep apnea machines but waited years before recalling the devices in 2021. 

In a statement, Philips said it had previously responded to ProPublica and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in the U.S. and NRC in the Netherlands.  

“The articles do not present new facts and we do not agree with the characterizations made in these articles,” said Philips. 

The company went on to say:

“Philips’ priority is patient safety and quality. We understand how important Philips Respironics’ sleep therapy devices and ventilators are to patients that use them. Philips regrets any distress and concern for patients, their families and care providers in this matter, and deeply apologizes for this. Philips acted to protect patient safety by initiating and executing a voluntary recall notification/field safety notice of significant scale. We continue to dedicate all available resources to ensure that patients receive remediated devices. The remediation of the sleep therapy devices is nearing completion, while the remediation of the affected ventilators is ongoing. Everyone at Philips is committed to achieving and maintaining the highest standards, building on a culture of integrity and compliance.” 

Philips earlier this month announced it had reached an agreement to resolve all economic loss claims related to a voluntary recall of certain sleep and respiratory care devices.  

For complete coverage of the recall, go here.