Bureau of Indian Standards, the National Standards Body of India is a statutory body functioning under the aegis of Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India. It operates various schemes like Product Certification (ISI mark), Management Systems Certification, Hall Marking of Gold and Silver Jewellery/Artefacts and Laboratory Services for the benefit of the industry and in turn aiming at consumer protection.

 

Bureau of Indian Standards, Chennai Branch Office organized a BIS - Manak Manthan Programme on " MEDICAL TEXTILES" [Sanitary Napkins , Disposable Baby Diaper , Reusable Sanitary Pad/ Sanitary Napkin/ Period Panties , Dental bib/Napkins, Bedsheet, Pillow Cover and Shoe Cover] in Chennai Today

 

Smt.G.Bhavani Scientist-F / Sr.Director & Head (Chennai Branch Office) welcomed the Chief Guest , Dignitaries and participants and explained the Programme Objectives. In her speech, she informed that Manufacturers must be aware that compliance with the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023, which requires obtaining a license, is mandatory. Initiating the licensing process promptly is essential, and all stakeholders involved in manufacturing medical textiles must be well-informed about the applicable Indian standards. Effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders are crucial to ensure that the standards are comprehensive, fair, and accurately aligned with practical realities.

Smt.Meenakshi Ganesan, Scientist-G & Head (Southern Regional Laboratory-BIS) in her Special Address informed that Medical textiles encompass a wide range of products designed for healthcare systems, including surgical gowns, bandages, and implants. Additionally, they include products such as sanitary napkins, baby diapers, shoe covers, hospital bed linens, pillow covers, and dental bibs. These textiles are mainly used for protection from infections in hospital environment, personnel hygiene, wound treatments, wound closure, replacement surgery or as a mechanical organ. High-quality medical textiles in these areas are essential for effective patient care and overall hygiene management in healthcare environments.

 

Prof. Dr. G. Thiruvengada Senthilkumar, Medical Superintendent, Omandurar Medical College Hospital, Chennai is the Chief Guest for the Programme. During his inaugural address, he appreciated the efforts taken by BIS in organizing series of discussion-programmes titled “Manak Manthan” for the benefit of industry which is scheduled on every month, and is envisaged to launch new standards and share important revisions / amendments and wide circulation drafts to local manufacturers, Industrial and Trade Bodies, Chambers of Commerce, Industry Associations, PSU’s or organizations who use such products, Government departments, Regulatory bodies, Laboratories, Civil society groups and Academia.

 

Shri D Jeevanandam, Scientist-D Explained the participants about BIS and E-BIS.

Shri. Dharmbeer , Scientist-D, Textile Engg. Dept, BIS-Delhi during his technical presentation on these standards also mentioned that The Government of India notified the Medical Textiles (Quality Control) Order, 2023 (the “Order”), on 27 September 2023. Issued by the Ministry of Textiles, this order mandates that the medical textile products mentioned below must adhere to specified Indian Standards (IS) and bear the Standard Mark after obtaining a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards. The issuance of this Quality Control Order (QCO) and the implementation of BIS certification for medical textiles and personal care products are crucial for ensuring safety and quality, especially in contexts where these products are vital. A notable example is the welfare initiatives by various state governments in India, where sanitary pads are distributed to schoolgirls as part of their welfare schemes. These measures ultimately protect both consumers and healthcare professionals while supporting public health objectives.

 

The Various Testing methods on Medical Textile products were explained by Shri P N Murali, Scientist-D & Smt M Arul Satya, Scientist-D both from BIS Southern Regional Laboratory.

Around 100 Stakeholders on the subject matter attended the Programme.

 

 

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