In a major step to improve public health and reduce the spread of HIV and other dangerous infections, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has announced a nationwide ban on reusable syringes.
From January 1, 2027, only auto-lock and self-disposable syringes will be allowed for manufacture, import and use across the country. The decision comes after a recommendation by the Prime Minister’s Task Force, which found that the reuse of syringes is one of the main reasons behind the spread of HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne diseases.
The manufacture, import and sale of 1cc reusable non-insulin syringes and 10cc reusable syringes will be banned from January 1, 2027, it explained. The transition period will continue until December 31, 2026, giving manufacturers and importers time to switch to safer alternatives.
To act as per, the ban approved by both DRAP’s Drug Policy Board and Medical Devices Board. As, after the deadline, only auto-lock and self-disposable syringes will be produced, imported and supplied in the country.
Alongside the ban, DRAP has introduced stricter monitoring measures. Hospitals and healthcare facilities will be required to keep records of all 10cc syringe supplies and share them with the authority when requested.
Manufacturers and importers must also print the name of their company clearly on every syringe package and set up a digital tracking portal before January 1, 2027. According to DRAP, more than one billion syringes are used in Pakistan each year.
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