Health · Healthcare & Policy · 4 hrs ago
India orders strict enforcement of ban on reusing single-use medical devices
India’s Directorate General of Health Services has told states and territories to strictly enforce a ban on reusing single-use medical devices.
The directive follows reports that some private and corporate hospitals sterilised these devices and used them on more than one patient.
It says this was noticed in specialties including cardiology, cancer care, kidney care, and neurosurgery.
Reuse can expose patients to infection, device failure and other complications because these products are intended for one use.
The directive applies to public and private healthcare facilities and says devices must be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
It warns that reuse may violate laws on medical devices, medicines and clinical establishments.
In some cases, patients or government authorities were reportedly charged the full cost of reused items.
State and territory authorities must inspect facilities and act against non-compliance under applicable laws.
The Directorate General of Health Services has directed authorities to strictly enforce a ban on reusing single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items.
The prohibition applies to public and private healthcare facilities across states and union territories.
The directive follows reports that some hospitals sterilised and reused items intended for one-time use, particularly in several specialist fields.
DGHS warned that reuse can endanger patients and may violate medical and other regulations.
Authorities were told to inspect healthcare facilities and take action for non-compliance.
- Who
- The Directorate General of Health Services directed state and union territory health authorities, drug controllers and other officials to enforce the ban.
- What
- Authorities must prevent the reuse of single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items, and inspect facilities for compliance.
- When
- The directive was dated October 16; the articles were published on October 23, 2026.
- Where
- Public and private healthcare facilities across India, including states and union territories.
- Why
- DGHS said reuse can endanger patient safety and may breach regulations.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
DGHS issued a directive calling for strict enforcement of the prohibition on reusing single-use devices and disposable surgical items.
The directive and enforcement order were reported by Economic Times and ET HealthWorld.
- Issuing body
- Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)
- Directive date
- October 16
- Coverage
- Public and private healthcare facilities in states and union territories
- Specialties mentioned
- Cardiology, nephrology, oncology, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, and neurosurgery
- Regulations cited
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940; Medical Devices Rules, 2017; Clinical Establishments Act, 2010
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What people are saying
All single-use devices and disposable surgical items must be used strictly in accordance with the instructions and recommendations of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM),
This is a patient-first decision. Single-use means single-use.
Responsibility must rest with the person or establishment that reused it.