In a significant move towards safer healthcare, the Maharashtra health department has ordered all government hospitals to stop using mercury-based medical instruments. This directive, issued on December 26, 2025, targets devices like traditional thermometers and blood pressure monitors (sphygmomanometers) to safeguard patients, healthcare workers, and the environment from toxic mercury exposure.
Directive Details and Phase-Out Plan
Dr. Sandeep Sangale, the additional director of family and maternal health for the state, confirmed the decisive action. He stated that mercury-based equipment will be systematically phased out from all state-run health institutions. The order strictly prohibits these facilities from purchasing any new mercury-aided devices. Instead, hospitals have been instructed to adopt safer alternatives such as digital, electronic, or aneroid (liquid-free) devices.
The state's directive follows guidelines issued by the Union health department. Instructions have been circulated to all district surgeons, medical colleges, district and sub-district hospitals, and rural and urban health facilities across Maharashtra to ensure uniform implementation.
Safe Disposal and Environmental Priority
According to the official circular, all existing mercury-based devices currently in use must be registered and stored securely. Their collection and disposal will be handled exclusively by authorized agencies, adhering to central government guidelines and regulations set by pollution control boards. This structured process aims to prevent environmental contamination from improper disposal.
Dr. Rajesh Dighe, assistant health officer of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), emphasized the critical risks. "If a mercury device breaks or comes into contact with humans, it can cause severe health hazards," he explained. He further highlighted that improper disposal can lead to soil, water, and air pollution, posing a significant long-term environmental threat. This decision fundamentally prioritizes the safety of patients, healthcare workers, and our ecosystem.
Pune Leads in Implementation
The health facilities under the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) have already begun following the state's directive. This proactive step in a major city like Pune sets a precedent for other urban and rural health systems in Maharashtra to swiftly transition to mercury-free medical technology, creating a safer clinical environment for all.
