Centre directs all states, UTs to enforce ban on single-use medical devices, disposable surgical items
The directive aims to ensure that medical equipment designed for one-time use is not reused, as such practices could expose patients to healthcare-associated infections and compromise treatment safety.
PTC News Desk: The Centre has directed all states and Union Territories to strictly enforce the ban on reusing single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items in both government and private healthcare facilities, citing concerns over patient safety and the risk of infections.
The directive aims to ensure that medical equipment designed for one-time use is not reused, as such practices could expose patients to healthcare-associated infections and compromise treatment safety.
The Centre has also raised concerns about patients being charged the full cost of medical equipment that has already been used. The directive places responsibility on state and Union Territory administrations to ensure that hospitals and other healthcare facilities comply with the existing restrictions.
“Single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items are intended to be used on one patient for one procedure or a single occasion, as applicable. Their reuse, particularly without appropriate regulatory authorisation and validated reprocessing, can pose risks of contamination, infection and device failure,” the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) said in a statement.
Authorities have been asked to ensure adherence to prescribed patient-safety standards and maintain accountability in the use and billing of medical consumables.
Strict enforcement would involve regular monitoring of healthcare facilities and appropriate action against violations under applicable rules.
The directive applies to both public and private healthcare institutions, highlighting the need to prevent unsafe reuse of disposable medical equipment and protect patients from avoidable health risks.