Pakistan govt decides to impose nationwide ban on manual syringes

The federal government has decided to impose a nationwide ban on conventional (manual) syringes as part of efforts to prevent syringe reuse and curb the spread of infectious diseases.

According to sources, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has finalized the necessary groundwork for the ban following directives from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The decision follows extensive consultations with key stakeholders.

Under the new policy, the ban will cover all conventional syringes ranging from 1cc to 10cc, prohibiting their import, manufacture, sale, and use across the country.

Sources said the government will also withdraw its July 1 notification, which had restricted only 3cc and 10cc conventional syringes. It will be replaced with a comprehensive ban covering all manual syringes within the specified size range.

The exemption previously granted to selected public and private hospitals for the use of 10cc manual syringes will also be revoked. However, insulin syringes will remain exempt from the ban.

Officials said the move is intended to discourage the unsafe reuse of syringes, a practice linked to the transmission of blood-borne infections such as hepatitis and HIV.

Sources added that the DRAP Medical Devices Board has already approved the proposal, paving the way for the implementation of the nationwide ban.