Schemes & Policies

DGHS bans reuse of single-use medical devices in hospitals

Edition: 24 October 2026Published: 24 Oct 2026 · Updated: 24 Oct 2026UPSCSSC

In Brief

Prohibits reuse of single-use medical devices as DGHS directs states and drug controllers to inspect hospitals.

The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has prohibited the practice of reusing single-use medical devices across hospitals, warning that healthcare facilities may face regulatory checks.

The DGHS has instructed state authorities and drug controllers to strictly enforce the ban. The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) had previously issued an order prohibiting the reuse of such medical devices in 2016.

Source: Currents/Pathikrit Sen Gupta; Himani Chandna

#DGHS#medical-devices#CGHS#public-health#drug-controllers

Expert Study NotesMEDIUMGS3 — Health & Public Health Policy

GS3 — Health & Public Health Policy

📌 Exam Angle

A question can test the DGHS directive prohibiting reuse of single-use medical devices and the regulatory mechanism involving state authorities and drug controllers. The article may also be tested in relation to the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) order of 2016 on the same matter.

⚠️ Key Concerns

No specific implementation concern is stated in the supplied report.

💡 Why It Matters

This policy ensures standardization of medical device safety protocols across Indian hospitals under government oversight. It reflects the regulatory framework's effort to enforce compliance with health safety standards through coordinated inspection mechanisms.

🔑 Must Remember

• DGHS has prohibited reuse of single-use medical devices across hospitals with mandatory regulatory inspections. • State authorities and drug controllers are instructed to strictly enforce this ban. • CGHS had previously issued a similar prohibition order in 2016.

📝 Key Terms

DGHSsingle-use medical devicesCGHSreuse prohibitionstate authoritiesdrug controllersregulatory enforcementhealthcare facilities

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