Cardiologists seek review of DGHS order banning re-use of single-use medical devices to reduce angioplasty costs

Thiruvananthapuram Cardiologists have called for a review of a recent order issued by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS), strictly prohibiting the sterilisation and re-use of single-use devices and disposable surgical items used in critical specialties like cardiology and cardiothoracic and vascular surgery, citing issues of patient safety At the annual conference of the Cardiological Society of India (CSI), Kerala chapter, here on Sunday, the CSI Kerala Chapter president Asokan P.K. said the association would seek a review of the order by DGHS as the exorbitant cost of medical devices and accessories would make crucial procedures such as angioplasty unaffordable and inaccessible to many.

Prathap Kumar N., organising chairman of the conference, said the rising cost of complex angioplasty, particularly procedures requiring multiple specialised devices, had become a major concern. Reimbursement package rates under government-funded health insurance schemes were often inadequate to cover the actual cost of advanced cardiac interventions.