Pakistan Faces Rising Threat from Banned Reusable Syringes

The Healthcare Devices Association of Pakistan (HDAP) has raised serious concerns over the illegal manufacture and widespread use of banned reusable syringes across the country, warning of a growing public health risk.

In a press release, HDAP revealed that authorities have discovered syringes falsely labelled as “auto-disable” despite being fully reusable.

The association stressed that such practices directly endanger lives by contributing to the spread of infectious diseases.

“These are not merely regulatory violations. They are acts that have directly contributed to the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne infections among the most vulnerable members of our society, including children,” HDAP stated.

The association strongly condemned the illegal production, import, distribution, and use of banned disposable syringes through unauthorized channels.

It warned that the continued use of unsafe devices significantly increases the risk of diseases such as Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV.

HDAP urged federal and provincial authorities to move beyond reactive actions and ensure sustained enforcement against all those involved, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, and healthcare providers using banned products.

Reaffirming its commitment to patient safety, HDAP said it will continue promoting internationally compliant, high-quality healthcare products that meet regulatory standards.

The association also pledged to collaborate with government institutions and healthcare stakeholders to strengthen market surveillance and encourage the use of approved auto-disable syringes.