The Union government has issued a sweeping directive prohibiting the reuse of single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items across all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide, officials said Friday. The order, dated October 24, mandates strict enforcement to curb rising infection risks and reinforce patient safety standards in hospitals and clinics.
The move comes amid growing scrutiny over infection control lapses in healthcare settings, where the practice of reprocessing single-use items has been identified as a significant vector for healthcare-associated infections. While guidelines restricting such reuse have existed in fragmented form, this marks the first centralized, legally enforceable nationwide mandate of its kind, signaling a decisive shift in regulatory oversight.
A senior health ministry official said 'According to reports by Nagaland Post, the Centre has directed states and Union Territories to strictly enforce the ban, with the Indian Council of Medical Research emphasizing that the measure is non-negotiable for facilities seeking accreditation.' The directive has elicited mixed reactions from the medical fraternity, with the All India Medical Association calling it a necessary step toward zero-tolerance infection control, while some private hospital groups warned of logistical challenges and increased operational costs.
Enforcement will begin immediately, with state health departments tasked with monitoring compliance and reporting violations to the central authority. Industry analysts anticipate a surge in demand for certified disposable devices, while regulatory bodies prepare audit protocols to ensure adherence, potentially reshaping supply chain dynamics across the healthcare sector in the coming months.