Syringe withdrawal at AIIMS was a precautionary measure for patient safety: Health Ministry

The concerned supplier is also directed to replace the affected lot and a show cause notice is issued seeking explanation and details of corrective measures. Image is for representation only. | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphoto

The recall of certain batches of disposable syringes from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, was done as a precautionary and patient safety measure following reports of quality-related issues from user departments, a Union Health Ministry source said on Thursday (Jun 11, 2026).

The information comes after a report by The Hindu, where the ministry was asked to investigate the repeated recall of batches of disposable syringes from the hospital and the possible implications for patient safety.

In a letter written to Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday (June 10, 2026), Rajya Sabha MP Haris Beeran said that in the past month, two separate recall notices were issued within a span of three weeks for disposable 10ml syringes with needles supplied by various manufacturers citing quality complaints.

The source said the affected batches were withdrawn from use immediately in accordance with established institutional protocols after complaints were received about the quality of the product.

“The action has been taken as part of a robust quality monitoring mechanism to ensure that any potential shortage in medical consumables is identified and addressed at the earliest stage,” he said.

A structured system

He further said that AIIMS maintains a structured incident reporting and monitoring system for medical equipment and consumables.

“Whenever any quality issue is reported, the information is communicated through the prescribed channels and immediate steps are initiated to identify, isolate and withdraw the affected material from all user areas,” the source said.

The concerned supplier is also directed to replace the affected lot and a show cause notice is issued seeking explanation and details of corrective measures. The matter is then assessed in accordance with applicable rules, regulatory provisions and contractual terms and appropriate action is taken whenever warranted.

Published – 11 Jun 2026 23:22 IST