Documented policies and procedures guide the use of implantable prosthesis and medical devices - Usage of implantable prosthesis and medical devices is guided by scientific criteria for each individual item and national/international recognised guidelines/approvals for such specific item(s). (The organisation shall ensure that relevant and sufficient scientific data are available before selection. It shall also look for international (e.g.US-FDA) or national notification (Drugs and Cosmetics Act notification October 2005) for approval of the particular product. The multidisciplinary committee shall be responsible for approving the use of a particular implant).

Documented policies and procedures govern procurement, storage/stocking, issuance and usage of implantable prosthesis and medical devices incorporating manufacturer‘s recommendation(s). *

There is a defined process for acquisition of medical supplies and consumables.* (In this context, medication supplies and consumables refer to those items used in patient care excluding medications and implants. The process should address the issues of vendor selection, vendor evaluation, indenting process, generation of purchase order and receipt of goods).

Medical supplies and consumables are stored in a clean, safe and secure environment; and incorporating manufacturer‘s recommendation(s).  (The organisation shall ensure that the storage requirements specified by the manufacturer are adhered to. This shall be applicable to all areas where these are stored including wards. They shall be protected from loss or theft. Overall cleanliness of the storage area shall be maintained. Hazardous materials are identified and kept in a safe manner).

Sound inventory control practices guide storage of medical supplies and consumables.  (Organisation shall follow or demonstrate ABC, VED, FSN, FIFO lead time analysis, etc).

Equipment Planning.

The organisation plans for equipment in accordance with its services and strategic plan.  (This shall also take into consideration future requirements. The equipment shall be appropriate to its scope of services. A good reference for minimum equipment is the IPHS guideline).

Equipment are selected, rented, updated or upgraded by a collaborative process.  (Collaborative process implies that during equipment selection there is involvement of end-user, management, finance, engineering and biomedical departments. The organisation could define differential financial clearance in accordance with the policy. For example, purchase of BP apparatus can be done by the departmental head).

Documented procedures govern procurement, handling, storage, distribution, usage and replenishment of medical gases. *  (This shall be applicable to all gases used in the organisation. It shall also address the issue of statutory requirements and approvals wherever applicable. It shall follow a uniform colour coding system. A good reference is HTM 02-01 or NFPA‘s Medical Gas and Vacuum Systems Installation Handbook (NFPA's new NFPA 99C solution). Proper signage is kept for used, full, empty cylinders. The organisation shall adhere to statutory requirements under the provisions of Indian Explosives Act, Gas Cylinder rules and Static and Mobile Pressure Vessel (unfired) rules).

Scope of Department.

Staff interview.