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 R

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