Peripheral intravenous catheter practices in India: Gaps, safety challenges, and the urgent need for national standards

Peripheral intravenous catheters are the most commonly used vascular access devices in hospitals worldwide. They are essential in modern healthcare systems, allowing for the administration of fluids, intravenous medications, blood products, and emergency drugs such as vasopressors and adrenaline. In India, PIVCs are commonly used in both urban tertiary care centres and rural healthcare facilities. Although it is a common practice, our nation lacks a structured framework to monitor, evaluate, and improve the quality of PIVC access care. This gap affects patient outcomes, clinical safety, and overall healthcare efficiency. This communication highlights the urgent need for a coordinated national strategy focusing on workforce training, validated DIVA assessment, ultrasound-guided cannulation, vascular access teams, and standardised infusion protocols to improve patient safety and vascular access outcomes in India.