The Business Bytes
New Delhi, July 17, 2024 (TBB Bureau): The Indian Rubber Gloves Manufacturers Association (IRGMA) has launched a vigorous campaign to enhance safety standards in the healthcare sector by advocating for a ban on non-compliant imported gloves. In a series of communications to key authorities including the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, IRGMA has highlighted significant concerns regarding the import and use of chlorinated gloves, emphasizing their adverse impact on health and safety.
IRGMA’s efforts aim to enforce the use of only Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) approved gloves, particularly in government hospitals. This initiative aligns with Quality Control Orders (QCO) mandated under the Medical Device Rules 2017, reinforcing compliance with health and safety regulations.
IRGMA President Sunil Patwari underscored the urgency of curbing the circulation of spurious gloves, stating, “It is imperative to halt the import and use of chlorinated gloves, which pose serious health risks to healthcare providers and patients alike. Government authorities must enforce stringent measures to prevent their unauthorized import and distribution.”
Echoing these sentiments, Wadi Surgicals Enliva Gloves Managing Director Konda Anindith Reddy emphasized the importance of stringent regulations to ensure the safety of medical practitioners and patients. “Ensuring the availability of high-quality gloves is crucial for building trust and safeguarding health in medical settings,” he said.
IRGMA’s advocacy comes amidst growing concerns over the safety and efficacy of imported gloves, with a focus on eliminating potential risks of infection and cross-contamination. The association’s recommendations include the finalization of QCO through the Department of Pharmaceuticals and the implementation of stringent guidelines by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
The proactive measures proposed by IRGMA are aimed at mitigating risks associated with substandard gloves and enhancing safety standards across the healthcare industry.
