Pakistan to Ban Reusable Syringes Nationwide from January 2027 to Curb HIV, Hepatitis Spread
In a major public health initiative, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has announced a nationwide ban on the manufacture, import and sale of reusable syringes, effective January 1, 2027, to help curb the spread of HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C and other blood-borne infections.
The decision follows recommendations made by the Prime Minister’s Task Force, which identified the repeated use of syringes as one of the leading causes of infectious disease transmission in Pakistan.
Under a notification issued by DRAP, the ban will apply to 1cc reusable non-insulin syringes and 10cc reusable syringes. Manufacturers, importers and distributors have been given until December 31, 2026, to phase out these products from the market.
The policy has already received approval from both the Drug Policy Board and the Medical Devices Board.
Only Auto-Lock Syringes to Be Allowed
From January 1, 2027, only auto-lock (auto-disable) and self-disposable syringes will be permitted for local manufacturing, import and use across Pakistan.
According to DRAP, these syringes are designed to prevent reuse, significantly lowering the risk of transmitting HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and other blood-borne diseases.
The authority said the move is aimed at strengthening patient safety and eliminating unsafe injection practices that have contributed to disease outbreaks in the country.
Hospitals to Maintain Syringe Records
As part of the new regulations, hospitals and healthcare facilities will be required to maintain detailed records of 10cc syringe supplies and share the information with DRAP whenever requested.
The authority has also made it mandatory for the name of the local manufacturer or importing company to be clearly printed on every syringe package.
In addition, all manufacturers and importers must establish a digital tracking portal before January 1, 2027, to improve monitoring, traceability and regulatory oversight.
Over One Billion Syringes Used Every Year
According to DRAP, Pakistan uses more than one billion syringes annually, making safe injection practices a critical public health priority.
Health officials believe the nationwide transition to auto-lock and self-disposable syringes will help reduce syringe reuse, improve infection control and protect millions of patients from preventable diseases.
The ban is part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare standards and prevent the spread of infectious diseases across Pakistan.
