Most injections in India are unsafe

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Most injections in India are unsafe

SIXTY FIVE per cent of injections administered in India are unsafe, says Marc

Kosta, inventor of the single-use (auto-disposable) syringe that locks and

breaks after use. In India, about five billion injections are given annually,

but only 1.5 billion syringes are manufactured, he said, citing a study report.

The gap is apparently filled by syringe re-use, he added. The study found that

one-third of all the injections administered in India carried a potential risk

of transmitting blood borne virus. Unsafe injection due to faulty technique was

observed in 53.1 per cent of injections.

The study was carried out by the Indian Clinical Epidemology Network, AIIMS, the

World Bank and the International Clinical Epidemology Network. In an exclusive

interview with the Hindustan Times, Koska said, " We are here to make a film on

the dagers of use of unsafe syringes. We are trying to meet President A.B.J.

Abdul Kalam to request him to endorse the film and its message. We intend to

show the film on all television channels and all possible media outlets. "

He said re-use of syringes leads to passing on of blood-borne diseases, such as

HIV and hepatitis. According to a World Helath Organisation (WHO) report, about

1.3 million children die each year from syringe re-use and some 22 million

people get infected with deadly diseases, he added.

Dr. R.K. Srivastava, Director General Health Services, Government of India,

admitted the prevalence of the practice of re-using syringes. " That is a

problem that needs to be looked into, " he said, pointing to the health risk,

including contracting deadly diseases, such as AIDS. Syringe re-use, he said

was more prevalent among drug users.Koska clamied there were unscrupulous

doctors and quacks who use a syringe 20 to 25 times to save money.

Dr. S.N. Mishra, general secretary of the Indian Medical Association, echoed

Koska. " Re-use of syringe can be fatel and can result in HIV/AIDS. The biggest

culprits are quacks, especially in rural areas or those who work among the poor.

No qualified doctor or hospital re-uses syringes, " he said.

Koska's mission is to create public awareness by telling people that the syringe

they use must come in a sealed packet; must be used only once; and destroyed

therafter. Morever, it must be put in a safety box for proper destruction.

According to a WHO estimate, 5 per cent of the world's 12 to 16 billion

injections administered each year are unsafe, particulalry in developing

countries.

Source:Hindustan Times,New Delhi,April 30,2007

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Dear FORUM,

Re: /message/7228

Its really very pathetic and think more about this 22 million people get

infected with deadly disease and 1.3 million children die due to unsafe

injections.

One side thinking about the new wave of HIV really going to happen.

simultaneously need to think about innocent victims are died & infected.

Hope this is alarming situation to think and act about usage of reusable

syringes for all patients.

Moreover health care workers are need to concentrate this situation and

general public especially those who are living in remote places to get aware and

act upon it

How we are going to change this situation in India?

Regards,

Gayathri

Gayathri Jegan

e-mail: gayajegan@...