It is evident that unsafe injection practices proliferate hepatitis and other blood-borne pathogens. In this regard, the World Health Organization (WHO) had already released its policy guidance on the use of safety syringes. However, in India, Andhra Pradesh became the first state to implement auto-disable (AD) syringes policy.
According to WHO statistics report 33% of Hepatitis B infections and 42% of Hepatitis C infections are featured to unsafe injections and poses a serious health concern. A recent comprehensive Health Technology Assessment (HTA) study by Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh reported the high morbidity from re-use of syringes and from needle stick injuries as well as demonstrated cost-effectiveness of auto-disable (AD) syringes. Based on awareness of this report, Government of Andhra Pradesh implemented an AD Syringe Policy for all…
