(a) whether according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) report, at least 50% of the World`s 12 billion injections administered every year are unsafe posing serious health risks such as Hepatitis and HIV;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the corrective measures taken by the Government in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) to (c): As per bulletin of the WHO 1999 `Unsafe injections in the developing world and transmission of blood borne pathogens`, it is estimated that atleast 12 billion syringes are sold each year for injection purpose and that approximately 1 billion injections are given early in the course of childhood vaccination programme. It is further estimated that at least 50% of injections were unsafe in 14 countries, out of the study undertaken in 19 countries. The most common diseases acquired from unsafe injections are Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and AIDS.
The Government has initiated following steps to ensure the zero risk injection to the people:
(i) Standard Operative Procedures on Hospital Associated infections have been made available to all State AIDS Control Societies for further dissemination to various Government hospitals and clinics.
(ii) Inclusion of use of sterilized sysringes and needles in all awareness campaigns of National AIDS Control Programme.
(iii) Training of medical and paramedical worker on hospital infection control measures including safe injection practices.
(iv) Supply of needle cutters to various Government hospitals through State AIDS Control Societies.
(v) Under the immunization programme to ensure proper sterilization of syringes and needles, pressure cooker sterilizers, stoves, assistance to procure fuel, glass syringes and needles are being supplied to all Government health facilities of States and Union territories.
(vi) Training on safe injection practices is being imparted as a part of regular training of all health functionaries.
(vii) Under the Pilot Project for introduction of Hepatitis B Vaccine, all vaccines are being administered using Auto Disable Syringes in the slums of 15 cities and in 32 districts. Government is also actively considering introduction of Auto Disable Syringes for the Immunization Programme in a phased manner.