Prof Martin Leuwer, who has done extensive studies on hospital associated infections, has called for the use of closed system technologies to bring down the rate of infections as one in every 10 patients in India acquired nosocomial infections from the hospitals.

Chair of Anaesthesia and head of the division for clinical sciences at University of Liverpool, Dr Leuwer said the country should adopt a more comprehensive approach including meticulous hygiene practices, training of hospital staff and closed systems technologies to bring down the infections. Talking to Pharmabiz during his recent visit to India, he said the developed countries have adopted closed system technologies and it did bring a difference in the rate of infections arising as a result of admission and treatment in a hospital.

"Each person is a closed system in himself and when he comes into contact with the bacteria in the air or equipments in the hospitals, his own system gets exposed and immune system is compromised. India has predominantly more conducive atmosphere for robust growth of bacteria which multiply in favourable places," he explained.

"Many of the pathogens that cause nosocomial infections have a high level of resistance to antibiotic treatments. These emerging pathogens are the most serious concerns, because they are more difficult to treat. Studies have shown that infections significantly increase the cost of treatment due to increased length of stay and increased consumption of expensive antibiotics," he said.

Briefing on his experiences where he led the initiatives to train the personnel and visitors to check infections, he said if the infection rate could be cut down by half, it would make a huge difference in the total health expenditure in the country. "One of the best ways to achieve this goal is raising awareness as there are no effective regulatory system to implement it and it is done more as individualistic initiatives in the hospitals," he said.

The expert said about 80 per cent of hospital associated infections can be prevented with the help of proper infection control tools and methods like closed system technologies. For example, there are closed system containers for IV fluid that would bring down the infection as it does not get into contact with air outside.

"Though there is closed system technology available for all devices in the country, the utilisation rate is a meagre two per cent. If we use this by spending a bit extra along with other measures, the total healthcare burden can be reduced considerably and stay in the hospital for each person will be reduced. As we know, 30 per cent of hospital associated infections are fatal," said Arun Mudgal of B Braun Medical (India) Pvt Ltd, who was also along with Dr Leuwer.