‘Govt risked your lives for 50 paise'

The Modasa tragedy could have been averted if the state government had bought Auto-Disable (AD) syringes for government hospitals as per the directives of the central government. Joint managing director of Hindustan Syringes and Medical Devices Rajiv Nath tells DNA how the Gujarat government refused to buy AD syringes and put scores of human lives at risk just because “it costs 50 paisa more and difficult to dispose.” Excerpts:

How do you view the hepatitis-B outbreak in Modasa, which has left about 60 people dead?
It is tragic, but it was avoidable. Such outbreaks can be avoided by introducing Safe Injection Policy by following WHO norms. The policy insists to promote idea of one injection- one time use. Also explanation of behavioural change and discipline with AD technology for medical professionals will help adapting it. That is why we had approached Gujarat government to use AD Syringes. If they used it they could had avoided Modasa tragedy, probably.

So, why did the state government reject your AD syringes?
Our officials have met them seven times in last one year, trying hard to convince them to use AD syringes. Each time, we were told that they won't be able to afford it. Surprisingly, AD syringes are only 50 paise costlier. Even if Gujarat's population is around 6 crore and everyone visited government clinics for injections, the government will have to shell out only Rs3 crore more. So, in a vibrant state like Gujarat where there is so much talks of investment in business and technology, why is human lives and healthcare being compromised?

How are you planning to spread awareness on AD syringes?
As a part of our corporate social responsibility (CSR), we have been organising seminars and are also promoting AD syringes through commercial advertisements. Even though Gujarat government has refused using AD syringes, we would like to enter into a partnership with them for spreading awareness on the importance of using AD syringes.