# States urged to enforce single-use medical device ban

> States must stop reusing single-use medical devices to protect patient safety.
- Title: States urged to enforce single-use medical device ban
- Summary: States must stop reusing single-use medical devices to protect patient safety. India's health regulator warns against reusing single-use medical devices…
- Keywords: india, dghs, single-use medical devices, patient safety, medical device compliance, healthcare regulations, States, urged, enforce, single-use, medical, device
- Source: The Economic Times — https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/healthcare/states-urged-to-enforce-ban-on-reuse-of-single-use-medical-devices/articleshow/135157961.cms
- Author: Teena Thacker
- Published: 2026-10-23T22:30:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: india, dghs, single-use medical devices, patient safety, medical device compliance, healthcare regulations
## Health regulator issues directive
The Directorate General of Health Services has directed states to strictly enforce a ban on reusing single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items.
## Hospitals reported violating rules
Some private and corporate hospitals reportedly reuse single-use devices after claimed sterilization in cardiology, nephrology, oncology, cardiothoracic, vascular and neurosurgery.
## Patient safety risks
Reusing devices risks cross-infection, malfunction, performance loss and procedure complications.
## Regulatory violations
Hospitals may also be violating the Drugs and Cosmetic Act, 1940, Medical Devices Rules, 2017, Clinical Establishments Act, 2010 and infection prevention protocols.
## Key takeaway

India's health regulator warns against reusing single-use medical devices after reports of hospitals violating safety rules.