Reuse of syringes

It is another example of medical ethics being violated with impunity; we haven't yet heard anybody facing any legal action for such criminal offences. The culpability is on two levels: first and foremost, the hospital management which doesn't care to dispose of the waste; and secondly, the racket that thrives on such a serious lapse on the part of the authority.

The question is, who are running this business and who are the ultimate users of such syringes and test tubes? Obviously, clinics and hospitals are the places where these could be used again. A hospital or clinic should have its own used-syringe disposal system including a self-locking device after first use. A crushing machine is used in modern hospitals for waste disposal purposes.

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Drug shop owners and hospital managers cannot put the blame on the collectors of used syringes alone. Obviously, it is they who should make sure that such deadly practices are eliminated. If they, too, are influenced by the thought of making profit at the cost of patients, there will be no end to this business. Finally, the law enforcers' role in this respect should be an emphatic one. The mobile court drives need to be extended to this area also.

The health authorities must act resolutely to stop this highly unethical and hazardous practice.