Strict compliance with infection prevention guidelines, single-use syringes, and safe disposal measures made mandatory across medical colleges
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has directed all medical colleges across India to strictly follow safe injection practices and infection prevention protocols to prevent the transmission of blood-borne infections, including HIV, Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).
In an advisory issued on May 21, 2026, the NMC’s Policy and Coordination Division highlighted that recent national and international evidence has linked unsafe injection practices to outbreaks of HIV and other serious blood-borne diseases. The Commission emphasized that such incidents are entirely preventable through strict adherence to standard infection prevention and control measures.
NMC Mandates Use of Sterile Single-Use Needles and Syringes
To strengthen patient safety and reduce the risk of infection transmission, the NMC has instructed all medical colleges to implement mandatory safe injection practices. Institutions have been directed to use only sterile, single-use needles and syringes, while ensuring a complete ban on their reuse under any circumstances.
The advisory also stresses the importance of proper hand hygiene and strict compliance with the National Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control across all healthcare facilities.
Biomedical Waste Disposal Rules Must Be Followed
The Commission has instructed medical colleges to ensure that all sharps and injection-related waste are properly segregated and disposed of in accordance with the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016.
According to the NMC, improper handling and disposal of medical waste can contribute to the spread of infections and pose significant risks to both healthcare workers and patients.
Medical Colleges Encouraged to Adopt Auto-Disable Syringes
As part of its patient safety initiative, the NMC has advised medical colleges to progressively adopt safety-engineered auto-disable syringes. These syringes are designed to prevent reuse and reduce the risk of accidental needle-stick injuries.
The Commission also called for regular training programs and competency assessments for healthcare workers to ensure compliance with infection control standards.
Reporting of Needle-Stick Injuries and Infection Clusters Made Essential
The advisory requires all healthcare institutions to promptly report any needle-stick injuries or clusters of infections for investigation. Hospital authorities have also been directed to ensure the availability of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) in line with National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO) guidelines.
Additionally, infection control teams and hospital administrators have been asked to conduct regular audits to monitor adherence to safe injection practices and identify potential safety lapses.
Zero Tolerance for Unsafe Injection Practices
Reiterating its commitment to patient safety, the NMC stated that strict adherence to safe injection practices is a non-negotiable requirement in healthcare settings.
The Commission warned that practices such as reusing syringes, sharing vials without proper precautions, recapping needles, and improper disposal of sharps constitute serious breaches of patient safety and must be treated with zero tolerance.
The advisory aims to strengthen infection control systems in medical institutions and ensure that preventable outbreaks of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C are effectively eliminated through safer healthcare practices.
