World · India Bureau
Hospital chains push Centre to reconsider single-use device reuse ban
Major hospital operators are urging the government to withdraw a blanket prohibition on reusing single-use medical devices, citing concerns over sharply elevated treatment costs and potential disruption to dialysis services across the country.
LSN India ·
India's leading hospital chains have appealed to the central government to reconsider its stance on the reuse of single-use medical devices, warning that a complete ban could have far-reaching consequences for patient care and affordability.
The healthcare operators argue that a blanket prohibition would significantly increase the cost of medical procedures, with estimates suggesting increases of 25 to 75 percent depending on the treatment type. They contend that a regulated framework for device reuse, rather than an outright ban, would better serve patients while maintaining safety standards.
The issue has particular implications for dialysis services, which support nearly 500,000 patients across India. Hospital chains caution that implementing an absolute reuse ban could disrupt treatment schedules and place financial strain on patients already managing chronic kidney conditions.
The hospital industry has called for dialogue with policymakers to develop standards that balance infection control measures with the economic realities of healthcare delivery in India. Administrators emphasize that many developed nations permit controlled reuse of certain single-use devices under strict regulatory oversight, suggesting a middle ground is feasible.