Punjab Bans Mercury Medical Devices Including Thermometers, BP Monitors, Dental Amalgam
Amritsar: In a major environmental health initiative, the Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) has mandated a complete withdrawal of all mercury-containing medical equipment from every healthcare facility, state government and private alike.
The directive prohibits the use and procurement of mercury thermometers, mercury sphygmomanometers, and dental amalgam fillings in medical colleges, district and civil hospitals, Community and Primary Health Centres, subcenters, ESI facilities, and NGO-run clinics.
Hospitals have been given 30 days to report their full inventory of mercury devices to PHSC. Until safe disposal is carried out, each item must be clearly marked “Hazardous: Mercury Waste—Do Not Handle.” Any violation will attract strict action under the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016.
As per the order issued by the PHSC Managing Director, all healthcare providers must shift to mercury-free alternatives, including digital thermometers, aneroid blood pressure monitors, and non-mercury dental restorative materials, with immediate effect, reports the Medical Buyer.
Officials stress that the decision is rooted in serious scientific evidence: even minimal exposure to mercury can cause irreversible harm to the brain, kidneys, and nervous system, especially among children. Spills from broken devices inside hospitals have been flagged as a persistent source of toxic contamination, threatening both healthcare workers and patients.
By enforcing this ban, Punjab aligns itself with India’s commitments under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a global treaty focused on eliminating mercury hazards. The move also reinforces the Union Health Ministry’s national strategy to eliminate mercury from healthcare settings.
“Punjab now joins states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Delhi, which have already transitioned to mercury-free alternatives,” a senior PHSC official told Medical Buyer.
For the final phase of disposal, the state has appointed Ramky Enviro Engineers, Nimbua (Mohali), as the authorized facility to oversee safe treatment, storage, and disposal of the hazardous waste, ensuring a fully traceable chain of custody.
With this decisive action, Punjab positions itself at the forefront of a nationwide shift toward safer, sustainable healthcare practices.
