Watch this short video from Marc Koska about the reuse of medical
syringes. Form an opinion about the ethical implications shown in this
video. Is your opinion the same as others around the world? Use the
site: country code search in Google to see how others feel about this
issue. How can we solve this problem?
The reuse of syringes is not only unethical, but extremely unsafe. Most of the countries mentioned in the video are developing, or do not have proper medical practices.
ReplyDeleteThis can be solved by mass producing Marc's low-cost syringe design, a color-changing syringe, or a combination of the two.
http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/03/tech/innovation/smart-syringe-turns-red/index.html
It's sad to see that some countries are still living like this. I feel that if Marc's syringe design is mass produced it will help stop the unethical use of syringes in these countries. Also, these people need to be taught that what they are doing is leading to life-threatening diseases. If they don't learn this, then they won't buy Marc's syringes when they can buy normal syringes and use them multiple times in order to save money.
ReplyDeleteWe need to stop the reusage of medical syringes around the world and show people that what they are doing is more damage than good. The people in these countries are risking their lives and trusting doctors to keep them healthy, when in reality the doctor reusing the syringe is potentially making them sicker. It says in the "Guide for AEFI Surveillance in Ethiopia", that "The most common program error is an infection as a result of a non-sterile injection." This means its common for them to reuse syringes, and they know the dangers that can occur, but they do it anyways. In the video, Marc Koska has a great invention that can prevent the reuse of syringes, however; In order for people to buy these safe syringes when they can buy the other and reuse them, they need to fully understand the complications of reusing a syringe.
ReplyDeleteI feel that the reuse of syringes is a big problem in the world and one that needs to be fixed. Most countries, like the ones we saw in the video, are too poor to be able to afford new syringes for every injection. It was also scary seeing the doctor inject someone and then just drop the syringe back into the tray. Not once did anyone get a new syringe or even try to clean it at all. People in poorer countries need to get the knowledge of how unsafe it is to continue what they are doing so then the reuse of syringes could be cut down. My opinion is the same as others for the most part except in the places where they reuse the syringe because they don't know better and those people are just wanting to save money on a syringe rather than be safe. With these new syringes I feel these doctors would still reuse because they want to stay cheap in cost so something to go along with it is if people would destroy the old syringes so they couldn't be reused and slowly replace them with the new one use syringe.
ReplyDeleteClearly it is unethical but the citizens of those countries are uninformed. The countries discussed in the TED talk are third world countries and they are uneducated so they do not know any different. They assume that using those syringes multiple times has no other effects than distributing the medicine. People feel similarly to how I do, they agree that it is unfortunate and not ethical. To solve the problem the syringes should be distributed to those countries only, no other types of syringes should be given out in those countries to prevent the continuous use of those types of syringes.
ReplyDeleteSince these other countries aren't informed, it's unfortunate that they don't get the same medical care and treatment that we get. This is obviously a huge problem that needs to be addressed. Marc Koska's syringe invention is eye opening. The video shows how much syringes are shared and how it's the number one cause to the spread of aids. It's a really cheap way to help save several lives. By spreading the word and having several organizations help out, so many lives can be saved. I agree that sharing syringes is awful and not good for any human. Stopping the sharing of these syringes can help out and save lives.
ReplyDeleteI hate seeing so many people becoming a victim of HIV and other diseases when the infection can so easily be put to a stop. Around the world people are starting to realize the harm that comes with the reuse of syringes. Marc's idea to me is honestly genius. If his syringe was massed produced and then used to replace all the old syringes so many lives could be saved and the world could simply be a better place.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.medgadget.com/2013/09/a-behaviour-changing-syringe-prevents-reuse-by-turning-red-post-use.html
It is highly unethical to reuse syringes on multiple patients. When being treated, patients need to be aware of the potential risks surrounding a procedure. Doctors reusing syringes do not inform patients of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and violate several rules of healthcare. Too many people are dying from malpractice in the office and these deaths can easily be prevented. By educating people of the consequences of reusing syringes and the dangers of blood-born pathogens the medical field could be a safer place. The non-reusable syringe is an ingenious and simple solution to this growing problem. I fully support the idea of distributing these syringes to undeveloped and uneducated countries. These syringes are an affordable way to prevent the spread of blood-born diseases.
ReplyDeleteI find it very unethical that syringes are reused dozens of times in these foreign countries, no matter how low on supplies they are. It doesn't matter how important people think an injection is to get... It will still do them no good if they are positive for HIV due to the needle that they were injected with. My opinion is the same as many other peoples regarding this syringe problem, except for those that are actually Giving and getting the injections. I think the guy that was speaking during the Ted Talk had a very good idea and I think his syringes that break after one use would be beneficial to have in these foreign countries. This is because it doesn't give them the opportunity to reuses syringes, no matter how crucial they think it might be.
ReplyDeleteFor me it's hard to believe that doctors from these countries will knowingly reuse syringes. They know they could be sentencing someone to death by a horrible disease just to save a few dollars. If I lived in that country, I would probably take the risk of not getting treated, because from what I saw your probably more likely to get a disease by visiting the doctor.
ReplyDeleteThe new kind of syringe that the speaker introduced is a brilliant idea. I believe that the sale and circulation of those syringes would greatly reduce the number of syringes of being reused.
I completely agree how unethical the injections of used syringes is. It really hit me whenever I saw the litter kids having the job of cleaning the trash of the syringes and getting poked and having the possibility of getting HIV, that should definitely be against the law. I love the new syringe idea and how they can't be used more than once and I think it's a great start to help the undeveloped countries stop the spread of HIV and I can't wait to see what happens with this idea. I also think that education if HIV should be given to the undeveloped countries and the United States need to get on a program to help that be accomplished.
ReplyDeleteThis is extremely unethical and definitely needs to be fixed. Obviously this is taking place in third world countries were the situations are much more drastic than we could ever imagine, but that is why we need to come in and help them because this is ridiculous and they need to be able to give thee vaccinations without killing more people in the process. Having only one or two syringes for dozens of vaccinations is so wrong, and other well-off countries should either donate syringes is mass quantity or sell them at an extremely low price that is affordable. Other people around the world agree with what I am saying. For example, a person is Kerala invented a syringe that is incapable of being reused. Once it is used once, it stops working and they doctors are unable to use it on anyone else. If this kind of product could be sold at a low price to these countries, then this could solve this problem. These countries just need help.
ReplyDeleteThe reuse of syringes at the expense of an uneducated populace in the name of saving money is clearly extremely unethical. If these citizens knew the dangers they were subjecting their bodies to, they wouldn't willingly accept these injections - but I would bet the doctors know of the potential dangers of syringe reuse. It is not enough to make in-reusable syringes, we have to be able to enforce their use. Unfortunately, reuse of syringes is cheaper and produces less waste, so they only reason any hospital would discontinue their use would be if patients refused to accept their care unless they used unreusable syringes. This shows that the only real solution to this problem is mass education in these countries so that people can arm themselves with knowledge about the dangers of syringe reuse and therefore refuse hospital care, forcing hospitals to adopt new measures to stay in business.
ReplyDeleteThe reuse and recycling of syringes is as unethical s it is dangerous to the health of society. As stated in the video, the death toll related to this unsafe health practice has stunted over that of malaria, a disease that has plagued third world countries for decades. Malaria, however, is a result of events that are often inescapable due to the lack of resources to help control it, whereas the deaths by contamination from used syringes is completely a result of human incompetence. Whether it is done by an impoverished family in order to simply get by or because of medical practitioners ignorance and uncaring need to save money, there is no excuse for putting entire societies at risk. Some might argue that redistributing trashed syringes is vital to the survival of families in some places. This is extremely ignorant and analogous to saying that it is okay for children to sell loaded guns on the side of the road, despite the eventual mass of chaos and destruction that any buyer could cause. Intervention of these awful tactics needs to happen if these third world countries will ever come out of their current economic conditions. I believe that Koska's invention of the single use syringe is a very good step towards the prevention of dangerous practices, despite the problems with attempting to get the billions of multiple use syringes out of circulation. I also believe that this practice is a result of uneducated societies. If we were to put programs into effect that teach about the implications of reusing syringes then we would be able to further prevent it from happening.
ReplyDeleteIt is shocking and sad to see that countries around the world are actually reusing syringes like this. As someone who has been to the country of India and has seen hospitals like this it is still shocking and scary to see it to this day. Syringes under any circumstances should just not be reused, as said in the video problems can arise such as transmission of many blood borne diseases. I am definitely against this kind of un-safe practice and it should be stopped. Using the country code search on Google I found that the use is still prevalent in many parts of India. Though most are against this kind of practice there, it is still being done no matter what. Marc Koska’s idea is definitely one of the best solutions out there and it should be done. Maybe to enforce that syringes should not be reused at all laws could be passed to ensure that such practices don’t happen, and should be under strict surveillance. Fines could be given in large amounts to hospitals who are caught reusing syringes or worse punishment can be given.
ReplyDeletehttp://newindianexpress.com/cities/kochi/Reuse-of-syringe-is-still-prevalent-in-the-state-says-former-DMO/2013/07/29/article1707230.ece
My first impression about usage of syringes is what is the problem with it? Because I have a memory of using syringe toy when I was young. The difference between those youngs in the video and me is that the one i used when I was young was clean and was not even made to be used in the hospital and those they used were already used and infected. When I heard people are getting infected by reusing the syringes, it horrifying. In the video, people in India or Pakistan looks like that they are not informed about spread of infection from re using the syringes. I am wondering if the doctors were educated with the effect of the used syringes. If not they were the ones with unethical thought who eventually made the diseases worse by spreading it. Or if they do not know it and learn this fact, there is no certainty that the reuse of the syringe will stop. Those countries who kept reusing the syringes, are usually poor, they may not afford it so, they are reusing it over again. The Mark Koska's invention prevent the spread of the diseases and stop the reuse of syringes. However, people may not purchase his product, even though it is same price as other syringes since they know that they have to buy it again. Creating a law for it may prevent the usage of the reused syringes, or simple donating more syringes to the hospitals would be better and teach them how to dispose used ones. It is not current but China was also one of the countries that didn't know about it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.natap.org/2011/HCV/120511_08.htm
My first impression about usage of syringes is what is the problem with it? Because I have a memory of using syringe toy when I was young. The difference between those youngs in the video and me is that the one i used when I was young was clean and was not even made to be used in the hospital and those they used were already used and infected. When I heard people are getting infected by reusing the syringes, it horrifying. In the video, people in India or Pakistan looks like that they are not informed about spread of infection from re using the syringes. I am wondering if the doctors were educated with the effect of the used syringes. If not they were the ones with unethical thought who eventually made the diseases worse by spreading it. Or if they do not know it and learn this fact, there is no certainty that the reuse of the syringe will stop. Those countries who kept reusing the syringes, are usually poor, they may not afford it so, they are reusing it over again. The Mark Koska's invention prevent the spread of the diseases and stop the reuse of syringes. However, people may not purchase his product, even though it is same price as other syringes since they know that they have to buy it again. Creating a law for it may prevent the usage of the reused syringes, or simple donating more syringes to the hospitals would be better and teach them how to dispose used ones. It is not current but China was also one of the countries that didn't know about it.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.natap.org/2011/HCV/120511_08.htm
Syringes are first invented in 1844 by an irish scientist, which were used to make the first recording of subcutaneous material, specifically a sedative to treat neuralgia. Invented for the welfare of Homo sapiens are being used against the purpose of invention. Reuse of syringes is definitely a bad idea. Because this practice can transfer germs, viruses, pathogens from one person to another. This can be controlled only by educating the people. Teaching nurses of the impact of the reuse. One can just save 1 dollar for a syringe by reusing it, but it can cost a life which way more valuable. It is not that invention of new type of syringes can stop this practice but by educating the people and imposing restrictions on the use can prevent this man made disasters.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching the video 1.3m reasons to re-invent the syringe, I think it is totally unethical that the reuse of syringes was causing HIV and having a higher mortality rate than malaria. I think it was a good idea presumably because the good outweighs the bad, The whole purpose was to stop reusing syringes and Koska found a way to stop the process. However it does cost five cents which in third world countries are very expensive assuming that some people live on about a a few centsa day. But I did have on question, what happens to the needle? The syringe that Koska made is innovative and stops the re use of putting more of the vaccines to be used but, where does the needle go? That was my only concern but I personally think that the good outweighs the bad. However, some people thought a little bit differently. Some people thought that the syringes weren't the problem but the people someone said " I think educating people on the dangers of unsafe injections is the best option. No one wants to take risk with their own lives when they are aware of the dangers of unsafe injection. " and others thought that it was an alternative and not a solution. But one of the people opinion caught my attention an Individual said "Very clever design. Although from what I can understand, the syringe can only be pushed in once 'fully' - does that imply a full compression in order for the lock mechanism to work? I have this vision of the user injecting 90% of the capacity just to avoid the lock, I'm factoring in the human ingenuity! Necessity is the mother of all invention I guess. I fear of mixed dosage use in the syringe."Also to put a little more clarification, this video was made two and a half years ago. Somebody may or may have not improved this model.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching this video, I believe that it is highly unethical to use syringes the way that our developing countries are. They aren't as aware of the life-threatening diseases as we are. If they don't use Marc's syringe than how will they know that his syringes cost the same and also are more useful. Recycling also is a terrible idea. What makes that better? Nothing. But than again this was a long time ago so something could have changed.
ReplyDeleteMedical Ethics is very important in the practice of medicine. This video highlights how ethics is misused. I realized the corrupt side to medicine. However, I believe that it is not fair to put the full blame on the practitioners. Ignorance of the people also contributes to this problem. Marc Koska claims that people often trust the doctors so much that they consider doctors second to god. This ignorance is equally responsible for the spread of AIDs just as much as the practitioners are responsible for reused syringes. When I google searched Brazil's oppinion on the reussage of needles. They also agreed that reused syringes is a issue in medicine. They agree that this is especially common in lower developed areas in South America. We can solve this problem by using the non reusable syringes like the ones that Marc Koska made. These syringes break after one use. I believe this is a very effective method since syringes cannot be reused again anyways. Also, these syringes are low cost, making it an affordable investment. Another way we can solve this issue is by finding a new way to put a drug into the bloodstream. Instead of a injection, we could invent a pill or tablet. The research for this solution might be costly at first, but it is a great way to avoid the need for reused syringes.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteReuse of disposable syringes is a growing health hazard for the public in developing countries like India. In this Ted Talk series the presenter has been very informant in communicating the associated risks of this dangerous practice. Unfortunately it is a reality in some nations around the world and has already contributed in dire consequences. Amongst the many hazards of this unacceptable practice the fact that it has already spread deadly disease like AIDS is a very concerning issue. However, tackling the issue of this sort is very tricky and requires a collective commitment. One could say lack of proper health education; poverty and bad medical practices are some of the factors contributing to this problem. Each of these issues may need to be addressed differently and at various levels. In my opinion, raising public awareness in the risks and consequences of reusing a syringe should be one of the initial steps in addressing this problem. Both the government and public could work together in identifying the best way to do this. The government could launch various programs in the various government and private health institution to educate the people about the impacts of reusing a syringe. Similarly the public can also participate by launching various public campaigns in the hazards of this dangerous practice. One of the ways of doing this could be simply warning people against this practice on public media like radio and television. At the same time the government could reinforce good medical practices by introducing appropriate rules and regulations. I am very confident that these steps will make a significant impact in resolving this very urgent public health issue.
I think the reuse of syringes is a huge problem in these foreign countries. Whether we are low on supplies or not, it is very unethical for to reuse syringes for injections. Because of the countless reusing of these supplies, these people are becoming victims of HIV and other diseases. These injections are doing more harm than good. Marc's idea for new syringes to be be mass produced and used to replace old syringes is a great solution to the problem. However, the people must know about the harm the old syringes are doing to people all around the world when they are being reused countless times.
ReplyDeleteIt is highly unethical to reuse a medical syringe, because it is extremely dangerous to do so, as diseases such as AIDS can be passed between people. They are reused because doctors simply don't know the risks, which is probable in some of the worlds poorer countries, or doctors simply want to spend as little money as possible, and reusing syringes is unfortunately an easy way to do that. Mass producing Marc's syringe could help solve this 2nd problem, as it costs little to produce.
ReplyDeleteI believe the reuse of medical syringes is very unethical and is a growing issue that needs to be resolved. In countries like India and Indonesia, the re-use of Syringes is a nonchalant which is extremely hazardous. The risk of spreading life-threatening diseases like HIV and Hepatitis B and C are extremely high by re-using syringes. Critics in the country off India, a place where syringes are used very often, Also agree that this is very unethical but interview doctors in India that say it is because "the stock of syringes is not maintained properly. The solution Mark Koska proposed was one that could be deemed very successful if purchased by medical practitioners. By implementing a 'one-time use', the re use of medical syringes is physically impossible. This is a smart and effective technique in which re using medical syringes would not even be an option.
ReplyDeleteA major problem in the medical world today, especially in lesser/3rd world countries is the reuse of syringes. So many people are getting diseases due to the fact that people are simply disregarding basic medical ethics. The fact that other countries can't afford to buy or produce there own syringes may be a big reason for the reuse of syringes. Still the trust between doctor and patient is important, people have to be able to trust that the doctor is following proper procedure. In the case of these syringes, many foreign doctors aren't using their syringes only once, many people are acquiring diseases through the reuse. Even little children are acquiring diseases, and they are too innocent to understand that the reuse of syringes can harm them. Marc's one use syringes are a great idea, they won't certainly help stop the spread of disease and reuse of syringes. I feel though, people would have to understand why this changes are happening. The first step to taking action is actual understanding of the problem. People won't just change to the new syringes for no reason. Plus when they hear that they are one time use, people might fight it because they believe that using syringes multiple times can't harm them and they don't adapt to the new form of syringe. Like several world problems, this is still a work in progress and like all issues, it take time to try and resolve them.
ReplyDeleteThe reuse of medical syringes around the world is a condemning issue for humanity and it is a shame it hasn’t been addressed sooner. Koska’s patent for the new syringe and design is perfectly simple and functional. I believe, in a few years and assuming we have been given all of the financial information about the new syringes, the design will be adopted by manufacturing firms around the world. This is, of course, assuming Koska’s motives are purely philanthropic, and he will simply donate his design to the manufacturing firms. Obviously most of the countries that would benefit from these new syringes would be in support of the new design and limiting the number of their people who die daily from diseases transmitted by used syringes. Or if they weren’t in support of the new syringes, they wouldn’t release that opinion in a statement. I was able to find an example of government action that facilitated the production of these new syringes in South Africa.
ReplyDeleteThe South African government, or more specifically a subsidiary of it known as the International Trade Administration Commission, offered a rebate to consumers of slightly more expensive safety syringes that absorbed the needle after one use. This design is slightly more expensive than Koska’s, yet it functions even more effectively to prevent people receiving diseases from needle pricks. The South African government has demonstrated a perfect execution of a government passing laws solely for the benefit of its people, and an example to countries struggling with the issue of reused syringes.
ITAC. Creation of a Temporary Rebate Provision for Safety Syringes. Rep. no. 228. South Africa: ITAC, n.d. Print.
http://www.itac.org.za/docs/Report%20228.pdf
The syringe is indeed an imperative invention in the field of Medicine, which has helped serve as a medium to prevent numerous diseases, but unfortunately has also aided in the spread of many other deadly ones such as AIDS and Hepatitis B & C. The main purpose of the syringe is to inject the patient with the required drug, or for drawing blood from the patient. The average cost of one syringe in the United States is 5 cents as stated in the video, the cost of a syringe in a third world country or developing country is indeed higher than that, but is relatively inexpensive. However we must keep into mind that in such countries every possible measure to recycle/reuse/resell products will definitely be taken. Such is the case of syringes as well. It is disturbing to realize that a number of innocent children and unaware patients are being infected by life altering diseases through syringes simply because they go to a hospital most affordable to them, or even worse, because they have been pushed to the extent where recycling such dangerous items is their mode of income. If only such people were educated about the danger they are putting their lives into while dealing with unhygienic or used syringes, we might have a chance at if not eradicating at least curbing the spread of diseases that are spread through syringes. Marc's innovative design for the new syringe (that can possible replace the older model in the global market) seems to be the most efficient way of allowing this great invention to still be utilized however while reducing its risks.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.dnaindia.com/health/1803900/report-kerala-doctor-invents-syringe-that-can-t-be-reused
The promotion of the common good should be the primary concern of the governments in these countries. Common good applies to the health and well being of its citizens, poor or wealthy. Because the poor is generally neglected in many countries, especially third world countries, it is not impossible to believe that the reuse of syringes is occurring. As I can concede with many of my peers, the reuse of syringes is unethical and a danger to humanity. This practice can create a pandemic, which could have been prevented if the issue was addressed in an appropriate manner.
ReplyDeleteAs Mark had pointed out, using examples from several countries, the reuse of syringes is becoming one of the leading causes for the diaspora of AIDS. AIDS has created much awareness in the US and several other advanced cultures. Abreast with its fatal effects, these countries have created several initiatives to prevent the spread of HIV and public awareness. One of the mechanisms used public awareness about AIDS have been achieved was through films. The movie Puncture expressed the danger of used syringes. Set in the US, the movie opens with a nurse attempting to sedate an ER patient. Beceause of his convulsions, you punctured herself with the used syringe. She shortly discovered that she was infected by AIDS. She worked with a doctor to create a syringe that would make the needle retract into the tube in order to avoid injuries. Although this is not specifically targeting syringe reuse, it inadvertantly calls attention to the issue of used, contaminated syringes and the dangers that exist. As we can see, infection from a used syringe can happen in the US, although not from deliberation, showing that this issue is wide spread. This then points mostly to the reinvention of syringes, like Mark's. With a syringe that prevents the reuse or possible puncturing, the mortality rate could decrease for AIDS across the globe. These methods need to be adapted into other cultures in order to prevent these diseases from becoming more prevalent. Children are suffering the consequences for negligent behavior, and false trust is causing the death of millions.
I always knew it was dangerous to reuse syringe just by going to the doctor’s office and seeing the red plastic box with many warning signs, but I never knew it was an issue in third world countries. The number of deaths each year by not disposing syringes is startling, considering it has such a simple solution of not reusing syringes. Parents in India are only doing what is best for their child, but in the end they are ignorant to the consequences because they are desperate to get any kind of help. In the video, I was shocked to see young little boys in Pakistan to find syringes that have already been used, to see the extent of what people will do to use syringes was horrible. The speaker mentioned towards the end the video the price of the syringe, which was only 5 cents; knowing how some people can’t afford it is really an eye-opener.
ReplyDeleteWe can solve this issue by raising awareness in countries that do not have this issue. We can also set up fundraisers to donate money because it is as simple as purchasing more syringes and disposing them correctly. Or as mentioned in the TED video, we can distribute syringes that are not possible to reuse.
The people who reuse syringes need to be informed of the dangers they are causing others. They should be educated so that they understand the importance of using clean syringes. Since it has become a major issue in third world countries many people have died because of an infection they caught through the use of reused syringes where it could have been prevented if they had just used a new syringe. The unethical reuse of syringes could absolutely be prevented with educating the nurses and doctors and providing the syringes that Mark in the video suggested. No one should feel scared to get another infection at the doctor’s office. Many people around the world feel the same way I do and believe that this is a problem that could be prevented.
ReplyDeleteThe reuse of syringes comes with high risk with little, if any, pay off. While you may be able to get a vaccine for one disease that you may get, the chancery of getting AIDS or HIV is inevitable. It's ironic. You take something that is supposed to prevent disease, and here you are getting another disease completely from what you took. What's even worse is that people believe that the doctors have this power todo save them, and don't even know that these doctors are killing them. The ethical thought on this is mind blowing and puzzling as well as ironic. A doctor who is supposed to save lives ends them. Mark Koska's invention of the new syringe was brilliant. However, not only does that need to be in circulation, but the general public needs to be informed.
ReplyDeleteThe reuse of medical syringes is not only unacceptable but also unethical. This is very dangerous because there are countries around the world that are risking their lives to stay healthy, however, by reusing these syringes they are just risking them instead. I strongly believe that medical syringes should only by used once because of the health risks and cleanliness. Many people around the world also believe that syringes should not be reused due to the hazardous and deadly outcomes. Because this is such a large predicament worldwide, Marc Kosta created an invention that would easily allow the syringes to be used once and once only. This is an important invention because it will easily and rapidly stop people from getting sick due to the reuse of medical syringes.
ReplyDeleteI think as a developed country, we see reusing syringes as a problem mainly because we know the full consequences behind doing so. We have the doctors and the resources available and willing to explain and inform us of the dangers involved in reusing medical syringes. People in other countries do not, especially if they are very poor. Most of the people who reuse syringes do so because they can't afford to buy new ones; they are often also desperate to get the vaccines offered in order to protect their children. Educating the people is good as well as necessary if we want them to actually understand that they are causing more harm than good, but the money issue needs to be resolved as well. It won't do much to tell them that they are potentially killing their kids and leave them hanging with no means to actually buy new syringes every time. Fundraisers will help with the money.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe TED talk was shocking, because of how careless some people are and how unknowledgeable they can be as well. One of the points Marc Koska made that was shocking are the nurses in Delhi. These nurses give shots to the patients and then throws the syringes into a bin for other nurses to reuse. This shows how unknowledgeable these nurses are about how disease transmit, which is shocking to me because they are known as “nurses”. Another point that was made is how people are trying to reuse disposed syringes for money. This is shocking to know that there are people who are willing to get others infected with diseases in order to get money. The final point that Koska made is how innocent children use these syringes as water guns. This point was sad to see how children who were poor and wanted to have some fun, but ends up getting sick. Therefore, causing more children to be orphans. The simple solution that Marc Koska was able to propose was an amazing solution to this world wide issue. By creating a syringe that avoids people from reusing it will help eliminate the main cause of transferring diseases, which is the reuse of syringes. His solution showed that even the simplest change can make a big difference.
ReplyDeleteThere are many other areas, even the educated areas that are willing to put other people’s lives at risk. Majority of the population that has knowledge of how diseases can pass through the reuse of syringes have similar opinions to what I believe and what Marc Koska too. Many people believe that others should be knowledgeable of the passing of diseases and the idea of avoiding the reuse of syringes as well.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/14/us-usa-colorado-dentist-idUSBRE86D02720120714
Medical Ethics is very important not only in the practice of medicine. The number of people dieing each year by syringes is really shocking the number of deaths is HIGHER than malayria which is obviously not healthy. Even more shocking is that the parents of 2 boys threw them out on the streets alone because they found out that the boys were HIV positive, that right there is extremly sad. The reuse of syringes is really bad, lifes can be taken away by making a simple mistake. What Marc Koska showed as his experiment is really smart, that will not only stop the reusing and recycling, but will also end the high number of deaths in many areas. These syringes are also low cost which will make them it affordable for many people.
ReplyDeleteThe reuse of medical syringes is not only unethical but unsafe. The countries that use these practices are ones that are still developing their medical practices, however this is no excuse to blatantly put the people you are trying to help in danger. Doctors may assume that they are doing more harm than good by reusing syringes because the medication they are administering will greatly help. Despite the help they give, the reuse of syringes exposes those involved to so many more diseases and pathogens than the medication being given would help. The reuse of syringes also depicts large shortcomings in the medical field. The fact that medical professionals allow the reuse of syringes with the belief that it will help shows that medical professionals aren't nearly as educated as they should be. Marc Kosta's invention of a syringe that can only be used once is one that can be given to underdeveloped countries to ensure proper medical practices. This could make drastic changes in both the practices and the health of those these medical practices serve.
ReplyDeleteIt is quite alarming to see actual footage of medical syringes being used with the same people. However, it seems that in these foreign countries the issue is not ignorance, but rather these doctors and citizens being uneducated and low of money and supplies. Regardless of this, the issue of the reused syringes needs to be addressed immediately. I think that the invention of the syringe that Marc Koska came up with will be very efficient and useful in these countries. The syringe is very affordable and doesn't allow the syringe to the reused.
ReplyDeleteIt blows my mind to see that people labeled as "nurses" are in fact the ones killing their patients, not helping them, due to the fact that they not only unethically, but unsafely reuse syringes, which in turns spreads diseases. Nurses in Dehli gave 42 rounds of shots using the same two needles; that is literally disgusting and jaw dropping that someone is so unknowledgeable in the spreading of disease. 1.3 million people die a year just from reusing syringes alone, and it stated that 64% of injections in India are unsafe and unhealthy. Kids are kicked out on the streets by their parents because the doctors they took them to reused syringes, giving the Aids. Other children on the streets go through trash bins at old hospital picking out the thrown out syringes, cleaning them, then selling that at a higher market value than a sterile syringe in the first place. This disturbs me a lot because this is such a simple fix to save 1.3 million people, however, nothing has been done. Recent attempts at enlightening the people around the world of this huge dilemma is helping somewhat, but the death tolls are still at an unacceptable rate. Other people in other countries feel they have to do this (Like India) because their resources are limited and they use what they can in order to help the most amount of people possible, even though they know they are putting them at risk. Other countries like Iran are making steps to remake the syringe itself and update it's design to a safer more efficient design. We can solve this issue by doing what the guy on the Ted talks video said; make syringes that once they are used, cannot be reused. He showed an example of one where it locked and broke when he tried to reuse it, and it cost the same as regular syringes to make, so I personally think the is the best way to solve this issue and to save 1.3 million lives.
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ReplyDeleteThe reuse of the medical stringers is very dangerous and huge problem that needs to be resolved as a nationwide problem because this is happening mostly in developing countries where they can't even afford new syringes for each section; therefore, they need help from other counties. At the end of the video, I was really impressed by Marc Koska's syringe invention, and I think this type of syringes should be used in those countries to avoid theses terrible situations for the future, so we can save 1.3million people of lives. Also, for my opinion, educating people on the danger of unsafe injections is a good option. No one wants to take a risk with their own lives when they are aware of the danger of unsafe injection.
ReplyDeleteThe reuse of syringes is not only unethical, but it is very harmful for all the parties involved. It should be legally banned, because as shown in the video it is terrible that the people of India as we'll as many other places are reusing syringes which create possibilities of infection or worse. I think there are many solutions many of which are discussed in this Spanish article:
ReplyDeletewww.linguee.es/ingles-espanol/traduccion/reusable+syringes.html
It is discussed that auto disable syringes and needles are safer and more reliable, as well as ready to use syringes, because both these methods only allow one use. These are also safe for children because it can prevent them from self injecting. There are many ways to eliminate the reuse of syringes and we should take all the measures to make that happen. It will ensure a higher standard of living and reduce preventable fatalities.
Reusing needles is not only unethical, but unsanitary as well. Many people that live in these third world countries don't understand that sharing needles can cause life threatening diseases. I really like Marc's syringe invention, it could possibly lead to saving over 1.3 million lives. I do think that it is important to educate people in third world countries what the consequences are of sharing needles.
ReplyDeleteEven though people are using syringes to help others, reusing them can be even more harmful to them. I do not think syringes should be reused, but the cost of syringes should decrease. Syringes cost a lot of money for other poorer countries which is most likely the reason for the reuse of syringes. The product that Mark Koska displayed in the video would be a great solution to this problem. Each syringe only costs five cents, which is a very affordable price for third-world countries. The only problem with this solution is that people won't buy it if they know that it cannot be reused. This is why we should send out people to educate them of the dangers of the reuse of syringes. The reuse of syringes must be stopped so people can live longer and healthier lives.
ReplyDeleteMarc's improvements to the syringe can stop a lot of controversy around the world. It's sad to see all of these people getting sick over something that can be prevented so easily. Going one step further though, it's worse to grasp the idea that these disease are spreading just to save money. It represents how money is starting to become more important then human lives to some extent. And the images if kids playing with these syringes is a little disturbing because think of the places those syringes have been? Hopefully Marc's improvement to the syringe goes through and these problems can stop being issues for these people.
ReplyDeleteThe use and misuse of medical syringes around the world is alarming. It is an issue that is often overlooked and not thought of by most Americans because we are used to seeing syringes used sanitarily occasionally when we go to the doctor. Koska's proposal for a new syringe design is very practical. I would hope that his design gets picked up and used to purely benefit this cause. The reason syringes are being reused in this way in other countries is simply because they are uneducated of the risks. If the new syringe was manufactured and pushed in these countries, the risk of disease and death would obviously significantly go down. I bet these people would start to realize that their health is worth more than saving a little bit more money by reusing them. I bet if we pushed awareness from America, more action would be taken in order to solve this health issue. We don't pay mind to something like this due to our fairly fortunate conditions of doctors offices.
ReplyDeleteThe sanitation of medical equipments is essential for the health and safety of citizens of the world. In regards to the reuse of syringes, such practice puts patients at risk of transmitted disease such as AIDS; the reusing of syringes is wrong, unethical, and unacceptable. The fact that many cases of patients diagnosed with transmitted disease (1.3 million) due to the reuse of syringes proves the severity and dire need for change. Marc Koska's innovative syringe will definitely help advance the course of preventing the transmission of disease from patient to patient. Since Koska's syringe is also very inexpensive, it serves as a great resolution to this existing controversy in our world today. However, a mere product cannot guarantee a change in human thinking. In that case, educating masses of people worldwide will inevitably allow people to reconsider their standpoint on the sanitation and reuse of syringes. Therefore, health education and medical inventions, such as Koska's syringe, will work together to guide our world towards a safer and healthier life.
ReplyDeleteIt is heartbreaking that the spread of aids and other such diseases are being transmitted through a patients blind trust in their Doctor. However I do no think the Doctor is doing this in an unethical nature. I believe they are not educated on the sterilization process and implications so they are just doing their job the best they know how. Many people around the world have the same view as me and to fix this these countries need education and funding for more syringes. I believe Koska's invention is a good way to stop the recycling and reuse of syringes among the masses, however it does not fix the problem of the low supply of syringes. If we are able to raise money to fund more syringes being sent to these countries then patients would be able to receive the life saving care they need with out the chance of a life threatening disease being transmitted to them
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ReplyDeleteIn my opinion Mark Koska is right on point, this is obviously a very big issue in the world today that I believe can be solved with a little perseverance. Like Mark said overuse and reuse of the same syringe is a cause of the spread of malaria, and AIDS. If this issue is not solved quickly, what is stopping it from becoming the major cause of several other diseases? The ethics side of this issue is a huge problem as well, but how can you blame these "doctors"? These nurses and "unskilled doctors," do not know any better, this is where I think that there needs to be a formal education system for these practitioners, something that will bring science and actual medical applications into the environment instead of just basing their medical practices off of religion. My opinions on these issues are similar to those of many other high level professionals around the world but like I said, if the people administering the medicine are not on the same page then this is nothing more than a lost cause. In terms of the misuse of recycled syringes I think that if there was some way to distribute Koska's syringe to some sort of global consumer market then that is exactly what should be done. His invention could be proven to be very, very affective if a organized distribution method was put together to not only get these tools to places on the planet that are already educated, but more importantly to locations that are not.
ReplyDeleteEthics is a big deal in the medical field. Even though the reuse of syringes is unethical, in these countries many have no choice due to lack of supplies and funds. Because the general population is uneducated, they do not know of the dangers that these syringes hold. Instead of seeing the possibility of newer even deadlier diseases, they simply see a cure for a single disease. This is shown in the story of children using these syringes as water toys for games, not realizing the effect that they could have. The education of the world population could help prevent the spread of diseases such as HIV. If people knew the consequences they might question these so called nurses about how fresh their syringes are. The design of the new syringe that Marc designed could be a great innovation to help with this cause too.
ReplyDeleteThe reuse and recycling of syringes at the expense of an uneducated populace in the name of saving money is clearly unethical. If these citizens knew the dangers they were subjecting their bodies to, they wouldn't willingly accept these injections - but I would bet the doctors know of the potential dangers of syringe reuse. It is not enough to make in-reusable syringes, we have to be able to enforce their use. Unfortunately, reuse of syringes is cheaper and produces less waste, so they only reason any hospital would discontinue their use would be if patients refused to accept their care unless they used non-reusable syringes. This shows that the only real solution to this problem is mass education in these countries so that people can arm themselves with knowledge about the dangers of syringe reuse and therefore refuse hospital care, forcing hospitals to adopt new measures to stay in business.
ReplyDeleteMedicine is hard to come by in third world countries. Thus accompanied with virulent disease, absolute trust in doctors, and a general lack of education had caused syringes to be recycled and reused, further spreading disease that cripples the population. It is unethical for doctors to reuse syringes on their patients in the attempt to cure them of disease and by result transmitting further disease. However, Mark Koska's design while suited for stopping the misuse of syringes would introduce another problem most likely. These syringes would take up space, cost more money in total, and be more sparse to use and acquire in comparison of the reusing of syringes that is practiced. While this introduction of new syringes would destroy one problem it would create another unless properly led by a strong power with financial backings. The problem that would come is a shortage of syringes which would lend itself toward the spreading of more disease. While mark's idea is ethical, it is also fanciful and would most likely not work. What's needed is an alternative altogether to syringes that could vaccinate people and be reused without spreading disease itself.
ReplyDeleteDisease is one of the biggest concerns for developing countries. Diseases that can be transferred through blood, though easier to avoid in the U.S, are way too commonly spread throughout these countries. Of course the ethics behind the way medicine is dispersed through used syringes are bad, but it's hard to blame the unskilled doctors who may not know any better. The first step to fixing the problem may be to educate instead of restrict. Another issue is getting Koska's design to be widespread me accessible to the doctoral public in these areas. This will also prove to be more expensive in the long run since these new syringes may also become a rarity and sold by street kids for extra money. The design may fix some problems but it will introduce some more, so we should look to an alternate solution in education and better institutions.
ReplyDeleteThe reuse of syringes in these countries are incredible very damageable. It is very sad to see that many of these little childrens have no clue on what's going on and what they are playing and also the amount of injury it is causing to them. We need to spread this word around the world, making everyone understand what they are causing by the reuse of syringes. It’s so very painful seeing so many innocent people getting harmed by different diseases, when honestly this could be changed with the help of getting everyone to know this information. I feel as if this is also caused by the how in these countries, there is a lack of education, and what there needs to be done is having everyone start learning about this. The idea about the new syringe, about how it break after used, and how it can’t be used after, which decreases the amount spreading of diseases. That would a better way in the use of syringes. Also by educating the people will help prevent people in the society from getting diseases.
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ReplyDeleteThe reuse of syringes is incredibly dangerous and can spread life threatening diseases such as HIV/AIDS. The fact that children in India, Pakistan, China and other countries are using these syringes not only for vaccinations but also as toys, is very scary because it greatly increases their chances of becoming infected with one of these blood transmitted diseases. Other people seem to agree that the danger of someone becoming infected from one of these reused syringes outweighs the benefit the vaccine in a reused syringe could bring. The invention of a one-time use syringe, which will break after the first use, is very smart and should be used in hospitals and medical centers around the world to prevent syringe reuse. This way no one can become infected with AIDS or any other dangerous infection that could come off a dirty syringe. Also, the fact that his disposable syringe is the same cost as a normal one is very helpful, because it is definitely worth the 5 cents to make a new syringe if it means keeping a person from getting HIV/AIDS.
ReplyDeleteIt is very scary to see footage of syringes being used on several people rather then being disposed of properly. It seems as if in these foreign countries the issue is not that of neglect or being lazy, but instead these doctors and citizens are being under educated and they seem low of money and proper supplies. The issue nevertheless, needs to be addressed as soon as possible. I think that the invention of the syringe that Marc Koska came up with will be more efficient and useful in these countries. This syringe is more affordable and the same syringe won't need to be used twice or more times. This will help with diminish the health risks and violations that are being seen here.
ReplyDeleteThis video was very disturbing to watch. The unsanitary habits that these countries have developed are deadly, but they don't even know it! Watching the nurse as she put a used syringe back into the tray was shocking to me, but completely normal to them. The first thing that needs to happen is educating these third world countries. Although the lack of money is hindering them from practicing healthy syringe habits, so is the lack of knowledge. To change their behaviors, they first need to realize how harmful theirs are now. The nurses need to be properly trained and educated to ensure less health issues. Once these things happen, we can move forward to offering new inventions and syringes that are unable to be reused. I agreed with Koska's invention, and think that it is an impressive, inexpensive, and innovate way to improve the habits of these poor and uneducated countries.
ReplyDeleteThis video was bit alarming in my views because of the usage of unsanitary needles and the danger of little children who should be in school are picking these each day to make a living. Another factor to this video that made me interested was for the fact that Mr. Marc Koska had the ability to make a new and better needle that could change medical history. This new needle can help all the children in China who drank out of those old contaminated needles that one squeeze is better than taking your life away. Countries such as India and Pakistan have regulations for how much they spend for imports and exports but the new needles will help them save money and get more equipment’s for each facility. One way to insure that these types of health dangers don’t reoccur is for the nurses, the doctors, and the staff to be informed and trained of how to use these needles and dispose them at the right time. In my opinion, these needles are the new change in equipment that all countries need for safety reasons and for the future of medicine.
ReplyDeleteThis video was bit alarming in my views because of the usage of unsanitary needles and the danger of little children who should be in school are picking these each day to make a living. Another factor to this video that made me interested was for the fact that Mr. Marc Koska had the ability to make a new and better needle that could change medical history. This new needle can help all the children in China who drank out of those old contaminated needles that one squeeze is better than taking your life away. Countries such as India and Pakistan have regulations for how much they spend for imports and exports but the new needles will help them save money and get more equipment’s for each facility. One way to insure that these types of health dangers don’t reoccur is for the nurses, the doctors, and the staff to be informed and trained of how to use these needles and dispose them at the right time. In my opinion, these needles are the new change in equipment that all countries need for safety reasons and for the future of medicine.
ReplyDeleteIt is no surprise that people I the countries depicted from the video are “reusing” and “recycling” the old syringes in an attempt to save money and time as well as limit the amount of resources in use. However it is terrible that these things are taking place around the world today. People need to understand the gravity of the situation that they are putting themselves in hopes that they will look at other options such as the one-time only syringe Koska introduced. Perhaps not all of the “doctors” know how dangerously unhealthy it is to reuse syringes that way let alone allow children to use them again. Many people agree at least in the United States that this is a completely insanitary and appalling happening and believe that it should be put to an end. There are many charities taking donations to give fresh medical supplies as well as organizations like doctors without borders that’s sole purpose is to aid foreign medical needs.
ReplyDeleteReusing medical syringes is very unethical, because it causes patients to unknowingly be infected by diseases. The patients put their trust into the doctors and then the doctors spread diseases around because of the reuse of syringes. Using those syringes, even though the doctors have good intentions,is causing harm to patients. Even though they reuse these the syringes to save money, it causes more harm than good.In many areas in Asia, syringes are reused but in more developed areas of the world they aren't reused. If the syringes that Marc koska were distributed everyone it would decrease the reuse of syringes therefore causing diseases to be spread less. In the U.S the reuse of syringes is completely out of the question. They are completely opposed to it. It's illegal.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching Marc Koska's video on the reuse of syringes, I learned more about this important issue and how it affects our world. In India, people use approximately three syringes a day on hundreds of patients. This can cause a variety of infections, including HIV and AIDS. I was horrified at the thought that people in third world countries thought they were getting the care they needed; when in reality they were putting themselves in greater danger. Koska's invention to lock the syringes after their use could greatly improve the syringe situation found in third world countries.
ReplyDeleteIn Canada, Natalie Alcoba wrote an article on syringe reuse in India titled "India struggles to quash dirty syringe industry." Alcoba takes the same stand as Koska, the reuse of syringes in deadly. Alcoba mentions Koska in her article, "Koska has designed an auto-disable syringe that prevents reuse by locking the plunger in place after one injection. But while his company, Star Syringe, has grown globally and rapidly in the last 5 years, the Indian manufacturer of his product has seen no increase in sales in India and in fact has been exporting to African countries." In a country where gaps between government and enforcement exist, India has a problem controlling the reuse of syringes.
In conclusion, the reuse of syringes and the market for collecting used syringes needs to be stopped. By using clean syringes, we can save over a million lives all around the globe.
It is a shame that many other countries in the world actually reuse and recycle the syringes from the ill people and pass it on. This will obviously spread dangerous diseases that cause death and tragedy to many familes and people. Their medical team of doctors do not know the proper procedure of handling medical equipment. They lack the education to do so, all doctors should have some knowledge and common sense not to use the same syringe used by many types of people. The new syringe that was developed would bring in a whole new way of curing and sving more lives by the use of this syringe. This syringe should be mass produced and cost very cheap, with the first time use of it, it breaks automatically; no longer the syringe being useful.
ReplyDeleteWatch this short video from Marc Koska about the reuse of medical syringes. Form an opinion about the ethical implications shown in this video. Is your opinion the same as others around the world? Use the site: country code search in Google to see how others feel about this issue. How can we solve this problem?
ReplyDeleteI was not aware of this issue at all until I watched this TED talk. Now I am extremely concerned about this horribly pressing issue. The fact that reuse of syringes kills more people than malaria each year is astonishing.
What I found next surprised me even more. I searched others opinions around the world, specifically in the Dominican Republic. What I found was an article that was concerned with the United States. Now, the DR is a very poverty-stricken third world country, yet they were more concerned with the U.S.'s problems with reuse of syringes. It critiqued the rampant drug abuse problems in the States of drugs like heroin that have to be injected, and addicts having to reuse syringes because to obtain sterilized syringes involves a lot of regulations of who can purchase them. Black market sterilized syringes are sketchy and expensive, so they resort to reusing and sharing. This causes the spread of HIV in the U.S. as well.
Reading a Dominican Republic article about this issue that I before figure was limited to third-world countries was extremely eye-opening. I always think of these types of issues as other countries' problems but we have a huge one right here at home.
Koska's invention of the locking and breaking of syringes is a good idea, yet wouldn't countries who reuse syringes simply not buy his syringe since they only can use it once? There has to be a better and more permanent fix the the situation; maybe education of the dangers of spreading HIV would be the answer. If the doctors are better informed, they can make the right decisions for their patients.
Reusing syringes for patients is unethical and can make the medical field look like hypocrites. Their role in the medical field is to make the sick patients they personally treat, or research, in order to help them to become healthy again. Medical professions are reusing utensils that can carry bacteria and germs, and that can actually harm the patients. The clip Mark Koska included in the video about the Indian hospital, and shows an example of how they utilize their materials on the patient. The Indian christian church is call, "Home of the Healing God". They carry that name but why would they when they are not very sanitary? Doctors and nurses in Home of the Healing God only uses 2 syringes on multiple people per day. This action is very dangerous and even though their target is for healing the poor, they should provide materials that are only use once, to prevent sickness and not increase it. I feel like my opinion is the same to those who are actually being treated, and those who have a deep passion for becoming a doctor or some other career in the medical field. My solution to stop this act is to distribute the standard amount of syringes, but to only those who are in need to prevent unnecessary diseases.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion it is unethical of the doctors to be reusing the syringes but the citizens of those countries are uninformed. The countries discussed in the TED talk are third world countries and they are uneducated so they do not know any different. They assume that using those syringes multiple times has no other affects than distributing the medicine. To solve the problem the syringes should be distributed to those countries only, no other types of syringes should be given out in those countries to prevent the continuous use of those types of syringes.
ReplyDeleteThis video is truly eye opening. I never thought that doctors would reuse a syringe, so it came as a surprise when I realized just how many doctors and nurses in these foreign countries do just that. It's hard to believe that the sharing of syringes causes more deaths than Malaria each year. Luckily, with the invention of Marc Koska, there is hope that this number can be greatly reduced. I think it is also necessary for the doctors and nurses in these countries to become more informed about the dangers of recycling a syringe. Saving 5 cents is not worth risking the lives of millions. I, along with everyone else, agree that this is a major issue that needs to be addressed quickly and with the utmost importance. Lives are at stake, and no more innocent patients or children should die because of misuse and a lack of awareness. It is my hope that Marc Koska's invention is accepted and widely used, because I believe it will make a large impact on saving thousands of lives.
ReplyDeletePersonally I believe that we should discontinue the reuse of medical syringes in different parts of the world because of all the negative affects from it and we need to show them the actual damage and risk that they have. People in these less fortunate countries are constantly putting their lives in danger by trusting doctors to keep them healthy, when in reality the doctor is reusing the syringe which has the potential to make their sickness even worse. In the "Guide for AEFI Surveillance in Ethiopia", it said that "The most common program error is an infection as a result of a non-sterile injection." This comment most nearly means that it is common for doctors to reuse syringes and that they are fully aware of the risks but they reuse them anyway. In the video, Marc Koska has a great invention that can prevent the reuse of syringes, but the people need to understand that the reuse of syringes is very dangerous and life threatening.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching this Ted Talk, it caught my attention of how groos and unsafe other countries medical facilities are. I think the reusage of syringes is absoluetly discussing. People should just know better than to do this, the syringes are not very expensive and these countries can not be saving very much money when a lot of their citizens are coming back with HIV. I think Marc Koska has a brilliant idea so ignorant doctors can not use the same equipment more than one time. When I searched the country code on this issue i found out that many people in the USA have the same opinion as me and there is no excusse for using the same syringe twice.
ReplyDeleteDuring the video, I was alarmed to see the raw footage taped from the Indian hospital. It brought me to the realization, thanks to Mark Koska, that not everyone has the same safe medical options to choose from like the US has. When Koska brought up the part about to children using the syringes to squirt water in their mouths, I thought it was innocent but when he said that there was traces of blood found in those syringes it grossed me out. After reading what other people thought on this subject, it was shocking that places like the hospital India still can operate. If this many people people know about the unethical usage of syringes, it should be stopped.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that so many doctors around the world reuse syringes to save money is sickening. As a doctor they are taking an oath to help people, and by reusing syringes they are knowingly putting patients at great risk. In the video it broke my heart to see two young children thrown out on the street by their parents for contracting HIV, when in fact they did nothing wrong. I'm thankful for people like Marc Koska, who are making strides to stop the reuse of syringes. It's truly something that should cause zero deaths per year, because doctors should be informed at the risk it causes for their patient. I believe that Marc Koska's invention will have a huge impact on decreasing the number of deaths per year, but I believe the best way to eliminate this crime is to inform doctors about the risk they are giving to their patient.
ReplyDeleteI knew that blood born diseases were a major issue, but I did not realize that a lot of the problem stems from sharing needles. I think that Mr. Koska's invention is brilliant, it will definitely prevent reusing syringes. Another way to prevent the spread of these blood born pathogens is by making new syringes more readily available. I found it interesting that people were finding used syringes in the garbage or the streets and selling them for more than what a new syringe would cost. Another solution could be a new method of disposal. A way that would make it more difficult to find used syringes. Now I realize that this is not that most practical idea, and there may not be a better way of disposal, but the idea is out there. Lastly education. The doctors should know that sharing needles is wrong and that by doing so they are putting their patients in great danger of receiving a life threatening disease, but how well educated is the general public. Teaching people basic disease prevention could prevent people from using a used syringe. For example the kids using the syringes a squirt guns, and then drinking from the used syringes puts those kids at risk of getting a blood born disease.
ReplyDeleteIt is blatantly unethical for doctors to reuse syringes, but it is safe to assume that no doctor chooses their profession with the intent to hurt. This leads me to believe that this is not an issue of ethics, but an issue of education. Syringes are not reused with malicious intent, but instead with ignorance. While trying to find differing opinions on the issue from different parts of the world, I found that many of the places where the issue is present are completely oblivious to it. Marc Koska's invention is brilliant, but it would be unrealistic to think that it will be able to completely replace traditional syringes in impoverished countries, especially if the citizens of those countries can't find fault in traditional syringes. Much more important is Koska's awareness organization. Education is the only infallible long-term solution to this issue. It is better to give someone the means to solve their own problems than to hand them a ready-made solution they don't understand. This is why there is a positive correlation between general health and education.
ReplyDeleteAfter watching this video, I came to realize that this issue is extremely large. The fact that these people in the underdeveloped countries have no idea what risk they are putting their body in is unacceptable. It is not fair to these people to have trust in the doctors that are doing more to hurt them than help them. I think that there should be a restriction on using a syringe more than 1 time period. Koska's idea was brilliant in the fact that this could stop diseases from spreading person to person because no syringe can be used more than one time. However this is going to be a hard idea to spread because if the foreign countries won't spend money on new syringes, then why would they even consider buying a syringe for the same cost that they can only use once? It is a good idea, and it might be the answer, but it will just be difficult. Based on research, the vast majority of Americans feel the same about this topic. The fact that these 3rd world countries are being exposed and at a high risk of HIV is unacceptable and it needs to change.
ReplyDeleteI had never realized the huge affect that this problem has on our world, especially third world countries that honestly don't have any other option at this point than to reuse the syringes. It's such a upsetting irony that people are dying from reusing the needles, but they are using them to try and prevent other illnesses. More people are currently dying from the reusing of needles than are dying from malaria. That is a frightening statistic. The fact that this could all be prevented, by simple education of the public and a few cents extra donated by the more fortunate, is an even more appalling truth. Marc Koska's invention is a wonderful idea and I hope that we can quickly get those out and being used instead of regular syringes. This could make such a positive impact on the world and help prevent the death of many innocent people just trying to get simple vaccinations. HIV is easily preventable in the United States, so why not help out people that don't have the same resources as we do? They deserve to live a healthy life just like us.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is absolutely disgusting and completely unethical to reuse syringes. However, I do not believe that ethics is the problem in this case. I think it more so has to do with the fact that these people in underdeveloped countries are so blissfully unaware of the danger that their bodies are in, as well as others around them. They also lack the education required to be able to know how much of a risk sharing syringes is and how unsafe it is to let someone who isn’t a doctor or a nurse to administer any sort of medicine to you. I think Marc Koska's organization is a great thing, and it will be very beneficial in raising awareness about this issue (because before this video, I didn’t know this was a problem). His invention of the syringe that only can be used once is great, but it is not feasible to be able to get this to impoverished countries and all of a sudden expect this problem to be gone. The problem just needs to continue to be made more aware to the general public, and more people will be able and willing to help come up with more solutions to this problem.
ReplyDeletePeople like this man are why I still have faith in humanity. Not only is he trying to prevent something so easily obtainable, but he is making the solution so obvious. This invention is so simple, I'm surprised it hasn't ever been thought of before. People in those third world countries don't realize the significance of having sterilized equipment. AIDS is such a horrible and incurable disease, they don't understand how the blood residue on the needles spreads it. This is a great invention and it needs to be distributed as soon as possible to countries all over the world.
ReplyDeletePeople like this man are why I still have faith in humanity. Not only is he trying to prevent something so easily obtainable, but he is making the solution so obvious. This invention is so simple, I'm surprised it hasn't ever been thought of before. People in those third world countries don't realize the significance of having sterilized equipment. AIDS is such a horrible and incurable disease, they don't understand how the blood residue on the needles spreads it. This is a great invention and it needs to be distributed as soon as possible to countries all over the world.
ReplyDelete