The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has announced a nationwide ban on the manufacture, import and sale of reusable syringes from January 1, 2027, in a major move aimed at preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases.
The decision follows recommendations by the Prime Minister’s Task Force, which identified the reuse of syringes as a key factor behind the transmission of infectious diseases in Pakistan.
According to a DRAP notification, the manufacture, import and sale of 1cc reusable non-insulin syringes and 10cc reusable syringes will be prohibited from January 1, 2027.
The deadline for implementing the ban has been set for December 31, 2026, after which these syringes will no longer be manufactured, imported or sold in the country.
The decision has been approved by DRAP’s Drug Policy Board and Medical Devices Board.
Only auto-lock syringes will be allowed
DRAP said that from January 1, 2027, only auto-lock or self-disposable syringes will be manufactured, imported and used locally.
The authority said the measure is intended to reduce the reuse of syringes and help prevent the spread of blood-borne infections.
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The authority said the move was taken on the recommendation of the Prime Minister’s Task Force, which concluded during its investigation that the reuse of syringes contributes significantly to the spread of infectious diseases.
The prime minister had directed DRAP to ban the manufacture of reusable syringes following the task force’s recommendations.
New record-keeping requirements for hospitals
DRAP has also introduced stricter monitoring measures for healthcare facilities.
All hospitals and healthcare centres will be required to maintain records of the supply of 10cc syringes and provide those records to DRAP.
The authority has made it mandatory for the name of the local manufacturer or importing company to be clearly printed on every syringe pack.
Manufacturers and importers have also been directed to establish a digital portal before January 1, 2027, to improve monitoring and traceability.
Over 1bn syringes used annually
According to DRAP, more than one billion syringes are used in Pakistan every year.
Officials believe the transition to auto-lock and self-disposable syringes will play a key role in improving patient safety and reducing the risk of HIV/AIDS and other infectious diseases linked to syringe reuse.
