PESHAWAR: In a major move to curb the spread of HIV, hepatitis and other blood-borne infections, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has announced a nationwide ban on the manufacture, import and general sale of conventional 1cc and 10cc disposable syringes from January 1, 2027.
Under the decision, conventional 1cc non-insulin and 10cc disposable syringes will no longer be manufactured, imported or sold in Pakistan after December 31, 2026. They will be replaced with auto-disable (auto-lock) syringes, which automatically become unusable after a single use, preventing reuse.
Health experts have long identified the reuse of disposable syringes as one of the leading causes of the transmission of HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and several other life-threatening blood-borne diseases in Pakistan.
According to official estimates, more than one billion syringes are used annually across the country, making safe injection practices a critical public health priority.
As part of the new policy, all syringe manufacturers and importers will be required to establish a digital tracking portal before January 1, 2027.
The system will enable authorities to monitor the production, distribution and sale of syringes, improving traceability and regulatory oversight.
The decision does not completely eliminate the use of conventional 10cc syringes. Their use will be restricted to major public and private hospitals where they are required for specific medical procedures. The supply of such syringes will be subject to strict monitoring and regulatory conditions.
The new regulations are aimed at strengthening patient safety, reducing unsafe injection practices and preventing the spread of infectious diseases through the reuse of disposable medical equipment.
Read more: National assembly, KP ombudsperson join hands to promote women’s rights, workplace protection
