Centre bans reuse of single-use medical devices across hospitals
The Indian government has banned the reuse of single-use medical devices in hospitals to prevent patient safety risks such as cross-infection and device malfunction. Authorities have been instructed to increase inspections and enforce compliance with medical device regulations.
Why it matters
This directive aims to standardize healthcare safety protocols and protect patients from the risks associated with improper sterilization of disposable equipment.
NEW DELHI: The Centre has directed public and private healthcare facilities across the country to strictly stop reusing medical devices and disposable surgical items meant for one-time use, flagging patient safety risks from the practice, particularly in critical care.In a letter dated Oct 16, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said it had come to its notice that some private and corporate hospitals were reusing single-use devices after sterilising them, including items used in cardiology, nephrology, oncology, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery (CTVS), neurosurgery and other clinical services.The DGHS said that reuse could expose patients to cross-infection, device malfunction, reduced performance and other complications.
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