Punjab bans mercury medical devices: All hospitals must switch to digital, aneroid equipment

Punjab Health Systems Corporation (PHSC) has issued a public‑health directive ordering the immediate, complete phase‑out of all mercury‑based medical equipment across every government and private healthcare facility in the state.

The order bans the procurement and use of mercury thermometers, sphygmomanometers (BP instruments), and dental amalgam (the metal alloy used to fill cavities, made by mixing liquid mercury with a powdered metal mixture) in medical colleges, district hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, sub‑centres, ESI hospitals, and NGO‑run clinics.

In line with the directions of the PHSC managing director, all future medical practice in the state must use mercury‑free alternatives: digital thermometers instead of mercury thermometers, aneroid BP devices in place of mercury BP instruments, and non‑mercury restorative materials for dental work.

All hospitals have been instructed to submit a complete inventory of their remaining mercury equipment to PHSC within 30 days.

Until final disposal, every existing mercury item must be labelled: “Hazardous: Mercury Waste – Do Not Handle”. Strict action will be taken against any hospital or clinic that violates the directive, under the Biomedical Waste Management Rules, 2016.

The comprehensive ban brings Punjab into alignment with India’s international obligations under Minamata Convention on Mercury, the global treaty aimed at protecting human health and the environment from mercury’s adverse effects.

The state’s move also reinforces the Union Ministry of Health’s national guidelines for eliminating mercury devices from healthcare systems.

“Punjab now joins states such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Delhi, which have already transitioned to mercury‑free alternatives,” said a senior PHSC functionary.

The decision is driven by the severe health and environmental risks posed by mercury. Even small exposures can cause irreversible damage to the brain, kidneys, and nervous system in both children and adults. Spillage from broken thermometers and BP instruments is a major source of contamination within hospitals, endangering staff and patients.

The state has set up a chain of custody for the safe disposal of remaining mercury waste, designating M/s Ramky Enviro Engineers Ltd, Nimbua (Mohali), as the authorised treatment, storage and disposal facility.