The Expert's Opinion

The Challenge of Modern Sterilization Centers

One of the recurring problems that arise in the Public and Private Health industry, talking about all levels and sizes of hospitals/clinics that have Sterilization areas, is attributed to the justification for the acquisition of Equipment for this area. How to justify an investment? Either for Equipment, Re-engineering of Areas or to acquire modern technologies associated to Information Technologies, such as Management or Traceability Systems within the Sterilization Centers.

To analyze this problem, we must begin by accepting that the regulations in Mexico applicable to equipment in sterile reprocessing plants or sterilization plants are weak, and in most cases are obsolete with respect to the applicable international standards, therefore, the technical specifications attached to the national standards do not help to raise the level of demand in the purchase of equipment or materials.

Another factor to consider is the role played by the sterilization professional associations currently operating in Mexico. Is the scope of these organizations limited to the organization of congresses, courses, links with leading brands, etc.? I believe that their actions should also include constant and persuasive work with government agencies or branches to guide and promote regulatory change, mainly so that the level of professionalization of the Sterilization Centers is assigned through laws, especially of the people who work in this area.

Finally, all professionals who are involved or immersed in some way in the Sterilization Sciences must work every day to improve our practices and raise the level of service provided, always remembering that our essential function is to deliver sterile materials, as an ethical condition and professional responsibility, beyond the labor conception that perceives the area as just another service within the health center.

In conclusion, all professionals of the Sterilization Sciences must contribute and demand, from the full and precise knowledge, the recognition of the level of preponderance that our work implies, within the control and prevention of Health Care Associated Infections. We must all strive to spread the word that the Sterile Reprocessing Department is, so to speak, the heart of the Hospital. By working together, we can obtain the right recognition and boost investment in this critical area, which plays a major role in health systems.

Eng. Samuel Gutiérrez Cruz

CEO at GlobalSteril. Electronics Engineer from the IPN Master in Hospital Administration and Public Health More than 20 years of experience in Hospital and Industrial Sterilization.