A catheter is meant to be used once. A letter dated October 16 from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), reported by PTI on October 24, says some hospitals have been sterilising and reusing such devices anyway, and orders that it stop.
What does the order say?
Reuse of single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items is to be “strictly prohibited” in public and private healthcare facilities under central, state and UT jurisdiction. Chief secretaries, state health officials, the Drug Controller General of India and state and UT drug controllers are asked to inspect facilities, monitor compliance and act against violations. The letter says devices must be used strictly according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Which devices are named?
The report lists cardiac catheters, guidewires, balloon and ablation catheters, introducer sheaths, dialysers and blood tubing, surgical staplers, laparoscopic trocars and orthopaedic drill bits. Syringes and needles are also mentioned, attributed to the Association of Indian Medical Device Industry (AiMeD). The problem was identified mainly in cardiology, nephrology, oncology, cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, and neurosurgery.
Why does it matter to a patient?
The DGHS warns of cross-infections such as hepatitis B and C, HIV and bacterial infections, and of device malfunction. It adds that sterilisation may not make these devices safe, because reprocessing can leave biological material behind. It also flags billing: some patients were allegedly charged the full cost of a reused device, or the cost was reimbursed by government authorities.
What can you ask your hospital?
- Whether the catheter, stapler or other disposable item for your procedure is new and sealed.
- For the item's packaging or batch details on the bill, if you are charged for it.
- Where to raise a concern: the letter points to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, the Medical Devices Rules, 2017 and the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010 as the legal framework.
What is not yet known
The report does not mention Jammu and Kashmir by name, and no local inspection or enforcement action has been reported. Because the order covers all states and UTs, hospitals in Jammu fall within it. Readers who face a problem should note that this article reports the directive, not any finding about a particular hospital.
Source: Greater Kashmir (PTI), October 24, 2026. Hero image is a file photo of Jammu city, not of any hospital.
