Pakistan orders nationwide crackdown on unsafe syringes amid HIV concerns

Federal health authorities have ordered strict nationwide enforcement of a ban on conventional disposable syringes and initiated a policy review to promote safer alternatives, amid rising concerns over unsafe injection practices linked to the spread of HIV, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

According to The News, the decision was taken during a high-level meeting chaired by Director General Health Dr Abdul Wali Khan at the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP). The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Health, DRAP leadership, representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF, and experts from major healthcare institutions including PIMS, Polyclinic, and the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Officials reviewed increasing HIV cases in both children and the general population, with particular concern over the reuse of syringes, unsafe injection practices, and weak infection prevention systems in healthcare settings. Health experts highlighted that a significant proportion of blood-borne infections in Pakistan are linked to unsafe injections and contaminated medical procedures.

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A key focus of the meeting was the widespread use of conventional disposable syringes in both formal and informal healthcare sectors, which continues to pose a public health risk. In response, authorities decided to form a sub-committee of experts to evaluate whether conventional syringes should be fully replaced with auto-disable or auto-destruct syringes that cannot be reused.

Separately, DRAP has ordered strict enforcement of the existing ban on the import and manufacture of conventional disposable syringes, which has been in place since July 2021. A nationwide market survey has been launched to identify and remove illegal products still circulating in unregulated markets.

Provincial drug control authorities have been directed to take strict action against violations, while a comprehensive compliance report has been sought.

Health experts emphasised that Pakistan remains one of the highest users of medical injections globally, many of which are unnecessary, underscoring the need for stronger regulation, safer alternatives, and public awareness campaigns.