The Centre has directed states and Union Territories to prevent hospitals from reusing disposable medical equipment. The crackdown seeks to curb infections, unsafe procedures, regulatory breaches and unfair patient billing.Single-use medical devices: Centre orders strict ban on reuse across hospitalsNew Delhi,Oct 24, 2026 13:53 ISTThe Centre has directed states and Union Territories to strictly enforce a ban on the reuse of single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items in public and private healthcare facilities, citing patient safety concerns, infection risks and instances of patients allegedly being charged the full cost of reused equipment, news agency Press Trust of India (PTI) reported.In a letter dated October 16, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) flagged reports of some private and corporate hospitals sterilising and reusing devices intended for one-time use.
The practice was reportedly observed in several specialities, including cardiology, nephrology, oncology, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, and neurosurgery.“It has been 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,” the letter said.WHICH MEDICAL DEVICES ARE REPORTEDLY BEING REUSED?The devices identified include cardiac catheters, guidewires, balloon and ablation catheters, introducer sheaths, dialysers, blood tubing, surgical staplers, laparoscopic trocars and orthopaedic drill bits. The Association of Indian Medical Device Industry also said that syringes and needles were among the items being reused.WHY HAS THE CENTRE FLAGGED THE PRACTICE?According to the DGHS, devices designed for one-time use may not be safe for reuse, even after sterilisation.
Inadequate cleaning or sterilisation, as well as deterioration of the device, could affect its performance and leave biological material behind. The directorate warned that such practices could expose patients to cross-infections, device malfunction, reduced performance and other complications during medical procedures.
Potential infections include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, HIV and bacterial infections.The letter also raised concerns about regulatory compliance, infection prevention and control, and healthcare expenditure. It flagged instances in which patients were allegedly charged the full cost of devices that had been reused.
In other cases, the cost was reportedly reimbursed by the government authorities concerned, PTI reported.WHICH LAWS COULD BE VIOLATED?The DGHS said the reuse of single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items could violate provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, and the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010, along with applicable requirements for infection prevention and biomedical waste management.“It has accordingly been decided that the reuse of single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items shall be strictly prohibited in all healthcare organisations, including both public and private healthcare facilities, under the administrative jurisdiction of the Government of India, states and Union Territories,” the letter said.STATES DIRECTED TO INSPECT HEALTHCARE FACILITIESThe DGHS has asked chief secretaries, state health department officials, directors of health services, the Drug Controller General of India and drug controllers in states and Union Territories to maintain strict vigilance and ensure effective enforcement of the directive.Authorities have been instructed to inspect and monitor healthcare establishments, ensure compliance and take appropriate action against violations.“All single-use devices/disposable surgical items should be utilised strictly in accordance with the instructions and recommendations of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM),” the letter said.The directive also referred to a Central Government Health Scheme office memorandum issued in December 2016 concerning the reuse of such devices in hospitals empanelled under the scheme.The latest communication reiterates that medical devices and disposable surgical items intended for one-time use must not be reused in public or private healthcare facilities.- Ends