PM orders nationwide ban on substandard syringes

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale and use of

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has ordered a nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale and use of substandard syringes to prevent the spread of infectious diseases in Pakistan.

The directive was issued during a high-level meeting held to review measures aimed at controlling communicable diseases and improving public health safety across the country.

The Prime Minister expressed concern over the growing risks posed by unsafe medical practices and stressed the need for urgent action to protect patients and healthcare workers.

He directed authorities to take strict measures against the use of low-quality and non-compliant syringes in hospitals, clinics and medical facilities.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered legal action against individuals, healthcare providers and institutions found involved in the use of unsafe syringes or negligence in preventing their use.

He said there would be zero tolerance for practices that endanger public health and contribute to the spread of preventable diseases.

The meeting focused particularly on diseases such as HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C, which can spread through contaminated or improperly used medical equipment.

The Prime Minister directed the establishment of a committee comprising health experts and medical professionals to prepare recommendations for controlling infectious diseases and improving safety standards.

The committee has been asked to consult provincial governments and health authorities before finalising its proposals and recommendations.

The Prime Minister also instructed the Ministry of Law to work with relevant institutions to review existing legislation and propose amendments where necessary to strengthen regulations governing medical devices and healthcare practices.

He emphasised that a comprehensive national strategy and its effective implementation are essential for addressing the challenge of communicable diseases.

The government also directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan to consult with the medical devices industry and develop long-term policies aimed at eliminating health risks associated with syringe use.

Officials attending the meeting briefed the Prime Minister on the work of the special task force established to tackle infectious diseases and improve disease prevention mechanisms.

The meeting was attended by senior government officials, public health experts, representatives of the Ministry of National Health Services, legal authorities and international health partners.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif highlighted the importance of support from international organisations in Pakistan’s efforts to combat communicable diseases and improve healthcare standards.

He also stressed the need to promote the local production of quality medical equipment and internationally recognised training programmes for doctors, nurses and healthcare workers.

The issue has gained national attention following reports linking contaminated and reused disposable syringes to outbreaks of infectious diseases in some healthcare facilities.