IV tubings being used multiple times at Javagal PHC, prompts public anger

HASSAN: In a case of alleged gross medical negligence, a primary health centre (PHC) has been making multiple use disposable intravenous tubing, using the same to administer IV fluids to at least three patients. A video of the PHC compounder declaring that the tubing can be used thrice has since gone viral.

The compounder claimed that the tubing can be used at least thrice.

Disposable IV tubings and needles are discarded after a single use to prevent the risk of spreading infection from one person to another. However, at the PHC at Javagal in Arasikere taluk, IV tubings are being used multiple time for different patients.

The tubings are not even kept in a sterile environment.

In a video shot by the relative of a patient, the compounder at the PHC can be heard claiming that each IV tubing can be used thrice. “For administering one bottle of glucose, we charge Rs 50. The doctor here has himself advised us to do so”, he can be heard saying.

This has invited sharp criticism from various quarters with many people demanding the the Health Department should immediately take firm action in this regard.