Director General of Health Services (DGHS) has warned against the reuse of single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items in all public and private healthcare facilities.

 

In a letter to Chief Secretaries, Health Secretaries and Directors of Heath Services of all States and UTs, DGHS said that it has come to its notice that certain private and corporate hospitals are reusing various single-use medical devices and disposable surgical Items, particularly in critical specialities such as Cardiology, Nephrology, Oncology, Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Neurosurgery, and other specialised clinical services.

 

DGHS has observed that such devices and disposable surgical items, after being used for one procedure, are being subjected to sterilisation and subsequently reused, despite being designated for single use only. More from our correspondent:

 

DGHS has said that the practice of reusing single-use devices and  disposable surgical items raises concerns relating to patient safety, infection prevention and control, regulatory compliance, and healthcare expenditure.

 

It has warned that this can also expose patients to significant risks, including cross-infection, device malfunction, loss of performance, and other procedure-related complications.

 

DGHS has asked all States and Union Territories to ensure strict vigilance and effective enforcement against the reuse of single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items.