Pakistan PM Orders Ban on Substandard Syringes to Prevent Disease Spread

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a nationwide ban on the production and use of substandard syringes, aiming to curb the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C. The directive was issued during a meeting in Islamabad focused on preventative measures. The Prime Minister emphasized that strict action must be taken against individuals and hospitals found using illegal syringes or demonstrating criminal negligence in their oversight. He also called for the establishment of a special committee comprising experts to manage infectious diseases, with its recommendations to be developed in consultation with provincial authorities. Furthermore, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Law to propose amendments to the existing legal and regulatory framework to strengthen controls. Shehbaz Sharif stressed the importance of a comprehensive national strategy and its effective implementation to address the issue. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, in collaboration with the medical device industry, was directed to permanently prevent the transmission of infectious diseases via syringes. The Prime Minister also highlighted the necessity of international partner support and underscored the need for training medical staff to meet international standards. This action follows a history of HIV outbreaks linked to healthcare facilities in Pakistan, including recent reports from Karachi and Punjab detailing significant increases in pediatric HIV cases and ongoing risks despite official interventions. Previous outbreaks, such as one in Ratodero in 2019, were attributed to practices like the repeated use of injections, prompting investigations by organizations like the World Health Organization.