Centre orders nationwide ban on reusing single-use medical devices

The Directorate General of Health Services has asked states and Union Territories to enforce a ban on reusing single-use devices in public and private hospitals. A letter dated 16 October followed reports that some private and corporate hospitals were sterilising such devices and using them again. The practice was flagged in cardiology, nephrology, oncology, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, and neurosurgery. Authorities have been told to inspect facilities and act against violations.

The directorate said sterilisation does not necessarily make a single-use device safe to reuse, and cited risks such as hepatitis B and C, HIV and bacterial infections. The practice may also conflict with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, and the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010. Some doctors warn that a blanket prohibition could raise procedure costs.