Demands prompt regulatory intervention and strict consequences through blacklisting and heavy fines for four major non-compliant importers

The Indian Rubber Gloves Manufacturers Association (IRGMA) has intensified its continuous fight against prohibited medical gloves which come into India through extensive unlawful import channels and distribution activity. The unsafe practices endanger healthcare providers as well as patients and their caregivers while making it impossible for the sector to operate in a fair, regulated market environment.

In a complaint to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), IRGMA has cited four major importers of medical gloves that are violently flouting safety norms, mislabelling their products, and evading all norms under the Medical Device Rules, 2017 and the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. These violations include importing expired and otherwise mislabelled gloves, repackaging gloves in unhygienic conditions, as well as conferring inaccurate certification, and placing in jeopardy the safety associated with critical medical procedures, including those relating to radiation and chemotherapy.
 
Vikas Anand, Spokesperson, IRGMA said, “These unsafe medical gloves are being allowed into the Indian market due to a complete lack of enforcement. IRGMA has provided indisputable proof of these violations to the relevant authorities and demands immediate action. If left unchecked, the sale of substandard gloves will continue to endanger lives while simultaneously crippling compliant domestic manufacturers who adhere to stringent quality norms. We call upon all stakeholders - the government, healthcare institutions, and the policymakers to take immediate remedial action in response to these violations.”