History, magnitude and rationality of injection use--a compilation.

ABSTRACT

Injection is a skin piercing event performed by a syringe and needle with the purpose of introducing a curative substance or vaccine into a patient. Dated back to 1657 with the first injection in animals the device is traced till 1991. The concern for proper management of injections is for occupational risk to the health worker, newer technologies to protect health workers is discussed including risk to patients and indirect risk via the environment to the community. Injection overuse is a cause of worry as it exposes the patient the risk of acquiring infections. In healthcare settings in India, most injections are unnecessary. Moreover irrational injection prescription is harmful. There also lies the misconceptions about injectable and oral medications. All professionals, in particular the doctors and nurses should become the advocates of safe injections.