The Central Government has issued an order prohibiting the reuse of disposable medical devices and consumables in all hospitals across the country. The Directorate of Health released a corresponding directive that mandates not to perform repeated sterilization or use of medical devices intended for single use.
The directive emphasizes that such practices endanger patients' lives and significantly increase the risk of infection. Previously, the Directorate of Health had received complaints that disposable medical devices were being used multiple times on different patients in several hospitals, which heightens the threat of diseases.
This decree applies to both public and private medical institutions throughout the country. It stipulates that disposable devices are created exclusively for use by one patient within a single procedure and are not designed for cleaning or sterilization for subsequent reuse.
All health departments and hospitals in the states are instructed to strictly adhere to this rule. Strict measures may follow for violating this mandate. The order specifies that the use of these medical devices must be carried out strictly in accordance with the rules indicated on the devices themselves, according to the Indian Medical Device Rules of 2017.
Disposable medical devices are items designed for use by only one patient or within a single medical procedure. This includes needles, syringes, and some other consumables. They are not designed for subsequent cleaning and reuse.
If a used needle or syringe is applied to another patient, there is a risk of disease transmission through infected blood. Diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C are among those highlighted.
