The Centre has directed states and Union Territories to strictly enforce the prohibition on reusing single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items in public and private healthcare facilities, citing concerns over patient safety and infection risks.
The directive calls for stronger monitoring of hospitals and other healthcare establishments to ensure that equipment designed for one-time use is not reused. Authorities have been asked to maintain vigilance, inspect facilities and take appropriate action in cases of non-compliance.
According to the reported directive, reusing disposable medical devices can expose patients to cross-infections, equipment malfunction and complications during medical procedures. Even when such devices are sterilised, inadequate reprocessing or deterioration may affect their safety and performance.
Potential infection risks include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and bacterial infections. The reuse of certain disposable surgical items may also leave biological material behind or compromise the equipment’s intended function.
The Centre has asked relevant state health authorities, drug controllers and other officials to oversee enforcement. Healthcare organisations have also been advised to use single-use devices strictly according to the instructions and recommendations provided by the original equipment manufacturer.
The issue has raised concerns about both patient protection and billing practices. Reports of patients being charged the full cost of equipment that may have been reused have added to calls for better oversight and accountability.
The directive refers to applicable legal and regulatory provisions governing drugs, medical devices, clinical establishments, infection prevention and biomedical waste management.
Effective implementation will depend on regular inspections, clear hospital procedures and awareness among healthcare workers. Hospitals must ensure that disposable equipment is used appropriately and that procurement and usage practices comply with applicable rules.
The Centre’s action places renewed emphasis on preventing avoidable healthcare-associated infections and ensuring that patient safety remains a priority in both government and private medical facilities.
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