Some of the medical equipment used in the NHS is manufactured in “unhealthy, unsafe and unfair” working conditions where employees are exposed to serious risks, the British Medical Association said.
Some of the surgical tools used to treat British patients are even made by children, the BMA said.
The union is calling on organisations in the health service to ensure that equipment is ethically sourced.
It has launched a training programme to help NHS staff procure products which have not been made by exploited workers.
It has also created a video showing some of the “shocking” conditions that workers in the developing world are exposed to while making products which will go on to be used to save British lives.
Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA’s director of professional activities, said: “Some medical products used in the NHS are produced in unhealthy, unsafe and unfair working conditions.
“Workers in the developing world are often exposed to hazardous conditions where they risk serious injury and even death to make goods bound for the NHS.
“There is also evidence of child labour and bonded labour which is essentially a form of slavery.
“If you are a member of the public I urge you to watch our film which exposes the working conditions in which some products bound for the NHS are produced. If you work in the NHS encourage your employers to get their procurement staff trained up.
“It is not enough to feel sad about the plight of workers who are being exploited, we need to change the way we purchase.”
Health minister Dan Poulter added: “Poor labour standards within supply chains of products and services provided to the NHS are inexcusable.
“These materials will help NHS buyers with ethical procurement, and help to protect the health and well-being of workers in the supply chain.”
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