Doctors Urge DRAP to Remove Ban From 10cc Syringes

The Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA) has asked the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to exempt 10cc conventional syringes from its new ban, warning that the move could disrupt neonatal and paediatric care across the country.

In a letter to DRAP’s chief executive officer, PPA representative Dr Muhammad Khalid Shafi said the health system is already facing a serious rise in paediatric HIV cases linked to unsafe medical practices, including the alleged reuse of contaminated syringes.

He said regulatory action must remain evidence-based and should not interfere with essential clinical work.

DRAP has already imposed a complete ban on conventional 1cc non-insulin disposable syringes from December 31, 2026. It has also banned the retail and market sale of conventional 10cc disposable syringes from January 1, 2027.

Dr Shafi said the 10cc syringe remains a critical tool in paediatric and neonatal care. He said doctors use it for accurate dilution and administration of intravenous medicines, enteral feeding in neonatal intensive care units, and delivery of oral liquid medicines and rehydration solutions to infants.

He warned that a blanket ban could create immediate problems in hospitals and clinics, affecting daily life-saving procedures. He urged DRAP to consider a targeted exclusion for 10cc syringes until safer and standardised alternatives are fully reviewed and adopted.

The PPA also asked DRAP to convene an expert advisory panel, including paediatric infectious disease specialists and association representatives, to review syringe reuse risks and develop evidence-based infection control guidelines.