31-October-2026
Hospital chains and healthcare associations have asked the Centre to reconsider restrictions on reusing medical devices labelled for single use, according to a Business Standard report published on 30 October. They cite affordability and service-continuity concerns. The report also records manufacturers’ safety objections and the government’s concerns about reuse and billing. The industry’s cost projections remain claims requiring independent assessment.
This dispute cannot be settled through the negotiating strength of either hospitals or manufacturers. The patient’s safety, access to treatment and right to honest information must determine the response.
The Pharma Times believes that a financial argument cannot establish clinical safety. Any proposed exception needs device-specific evidence, a lawful regulatory basis and clearly assigned responsibility.
Nor should affordability be dismissed. If changes materially affect essential services, government, providers and payers must examine procurement capacity, reimbursement and continuity arrangements promptly.
The Pharma Times questions whether patients have received sufficient information about the devices used in their treatment and the corresponding charges. Billing must accurately represent what was supplied. Any established misrepresentation deserves corrective action.
No assumption of wrongdoing should attach to an individual institution without evidence. Equally, the absence of a public complaint should never replace proper oversight.
The Pharma Times recommends an independent review involving clinical specialists, infection-prevention experts, regulators, device engineers, payers and patient representatives. Its findings should distinguish devices, procedures and actual risks rather than treating the entire category as technically identical.
Any future change must be formally authorised; lobbying for reconsideration does not suspend existing requirements. Patients undergoing continuing treatment also need clear information and uninterrupted clinical support.
The responsibility belongs to every participant in the system.
Require evidence before changing safety safeguards, test affordability claims independently and insist on truthful billing. Patients must never become the unconsenting bearers of commercial or regulatory uncertainty.
