# India medical device reuse regulation > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-medical-device-reuse-regulation > Updated: 2026-10-31T09:17:59.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. The Indian central government, through the Directorate General of Health Services, issued a directive to all states and Union Territories to strictly enforce a nationwide ban on the reuse of single-use medical devices and disposable surgical items. This action follows reports that some private and corporate hospitals were sterilizing and reusing equipment in specialties such as cardiology, oncology, and neurosurgery. The government cited risks of device malfunction, performance deterioration, and cross-infections, such as HIV and hepatitis, alongside allegations of financial exploitation where patients were reportedly charged full price for reused items. In response, hospital chains and healthcare associations have requested the government reconsider these restrictions, citing concerns over treatment affordability and service continuity. Meanwhile, manufacturers and public health experts have maintained that rigorous enforcement is necessary to protect patient safety. Experts have noted that effective oversight may be hindered by inadequate staffing and weak enforcement mechanisms within the private sector, leading to calls for dedicated regulatory personnel and routine medical audits. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-31: India healthcare sector faces scrutiny over single-use medical device reuse Indian hospital chains are seeking to reuse single-use medical devices to improve affordability, while health experts warn that strict enforcement and oversight are necessary to ensure patient safety. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/india-healthcare-sector-faces-scrutiny-over-single-use-medical-device-reuse ### 2026-10-23: India directs states to enforce ban on single-use medical device reuse India's central government has ordered states to strictly enforce a ban on reusing single-use medical devices in all healthcare facilities to prevent infections and fraudulent billing. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/aimed-supports-india-directive-banning-single-use-medical-device-reuse --- Cite as: India medical device reuse regulation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-medical-device-reuse-regulation