BMC spends ₹4.27 crore on untested anti-infective bed mats for city hospitals
The mats are supplied by real estate firm Veer Housing Projects LLP, which says it is the authorized supplier in the state and has previously supplied the product to primary healthcare centres, sourced from Uttarakhand-based Pioneer Polyleather Pvt Ltd. According to the supplier, the mats are antimicrobial, waterproof, rewashable and odorless and can reduce bacteria such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus and the fungus Aspergillus niger by 99.99%. The claimed effect lasts for up to 10 washes and each mat can be used for about a week.
The claims are based on laboratory reports made before the tender process. However, there is no clinical trial data supporting the product’s effectiveness in hospital settings and it is not included in WHO or government infection control guidelines. The supplier stated that BMC took a random sample once and the product was tested, adding that the necessary process was followed.
Doctors and microbiologists have noted gaps between laboratory performance and hospital results. Past systematic reviews published on PubMed have found limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of such products in real-world hospital settings. A microbiology department from one of the four medical colleges said the specifications initially sought were later modified during the tender process to align with state government guidelines, limiting the scope for objection.
A former doctor from KEM Hospital said similar mats were used mainly for their waterproof properties and not for infection control. A randomized trial of washable mattress protection systems showed benefits in preventing infection when the barriers were washed and treated, but no anti-infective properties were found in the barriers themselves.
Former executives and microbiologists told TOI that earlier bids to supply similar products were shelved due to high costs and lack of validation. Some doctors in private hospitals said that they had never encountered such mats. Infectious diseases specialist Dr. Mandar Kubal said the product resembles household waterproof covers with antibacterial claims that are not supported by strong clinical studies. Other experts expressed concern about the lack of use experience or published evidence.
Under the current procurement, 200 mats will be given to KEM Hospital for one year, 19,000 mats to Sion Hospital, 7,500 mats to Cooper Hospital and 16,900 mats to Nair Hospital. BMC’s deputy municipal commissioner (health) Sharad Ughade was not available for comment.
(With inputs from TOI)
