Punjab mandates complete phase-out of Mercury-Based Medical Equipment in hospitals, replacing them with safer, eco-friendly alternatives to protect public health
The entire phase-out of all mercury-based medical equipment in the state’s public and commercial healthcare facilities has been mandated by the Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC).
The order prohibits the purchase and use of dental amalgam, a metal alloy used to fill cavities in teeth that is made by combining liquid mercury with a powdered mixture of metals, as well as mercury thermometers and sphygmomanometers (BP equipment).
The Managing Director of the PHSC mandated that mercury-free substitutes be used in all state medical facilities. “Dentists must use non-mercury dental restoration materials, blood pressure devices should be replaced with aneroid BP instruments, and mercury thermometers should be replaced with digital ones,” stated Dr. Chander Sekhar, a civil surgeon in Faridkot.
Within 30 days, the hospitals are required to provide the PHSC with a comprehensive inventory of all the mercury-based equipment they own. All current mercury products must be marked “Hazardous: Mercury waste – Do Not Handle” to guarantee safety until final disposal. The decree states that any hospital or clinic that violates the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016 directive would face severe consequences.
The directive states that Punjab’s complete ban is in line with India’s international commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a worldwide agreement aimed at safeguarding the environment and public health from the harmful effects of mercury.
Also read : CM Bhagwant Mann Warns Disturbers of Peace as Punjab Police Arrest ISI Operatives
The Ministry of Health’s national standards for removing mercury devices from healthcare systems are also supported by the state’s action. According to a top PHSC official, Punjab has joined states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Delhi that have previously made the switch to mercury-free alternatives.
Even minute levels of mercury exposure can harm a child or adult’s brain, kidneys, and neurological system permanently. Additionally, according to an officer, spills from broken mercury thermometers and BP equipment are a significant source of pollution in hospital settings, endangering patients and medical staff. Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd., located in Nimbua, Mohali, has been approved by the state as a facility for treatment, storage, and disposal.