Despite a nationwide prohibition, reusable syringes—including some deceptively labeled as auto-disable devices—are still being produced, distributed, and utilized throughout Pakistan. This ongoing issue raises serious concerns about regulatory enforcement and the potential spread of blood-borne diseases.
Notably, syringes marketed as single-use safety devices have been found to be fully reusable, with plungers that move freely instead of locking after one use. This fraudulent practice undermines critical infection control efforts aimed at preventing syringe reuse and curbing disease transmission.
Samples collected from various cities reveal that these syringes, advertised as disposable, can be repeatedly reused, highlighting significant regulatory shortcomings. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) acknowledges gaps in compliance and has pledged to strengthen enforcement measures. Meanwhile, provincial authorities maintain they are actively working to ensure adherence to the ban, disputing any claims of negligence.
Field investigations confirm the availability of such syringes in Peshawar, Multan, and Jacobabad, extending to both rural and some urban areas. This widespread presence suggests that the ban on 2ml, 3ml, and 5ml conventional disposable syringes remains largely ineffective in practice.
Further inquiries traced many of these syringes back to manufacturing units in the Gadoon Amazai industrial zone, where factories allegedly produce and distribute reusable syringes nationwide while evading regulatory oversight.
Healthcare professionals report alarming consequences. A healthcare worker at the Jacobabad Institute of Medical Sciences, speaking anonymously, stated that these syringes are readily available in markets and pharmacies, and despite numerous complaints, no decisive action has been taken. The worker added that unqualified practitioners often charge between Rs50 and Rs100 per injection, reusing the same syringe on multiple patients to reduce expenses.
Jacobabad, already known as a hepatitis C hotspot, is now witnessing a rise in HIV cases, with unsafe injection practices identified as a major contributing factor.
Syed Omer Ahmed, Chairman of the Healthcare Devices Association of Pakistan, described the ban on conventional syringes as a significant policy achievement but lamented the lack of enforcement. He emphasized that the issue is deeply entrenched within the healthcare delivery system. Ahmed noted that while spurious medicines were often blamed on wholesale markets, the persistence of unsafe medical devices is largely sustained by networks of unqualified practitioners.
In a significant development, DRAP issued a letter on April 22, 2026, ordering a nationwide market survey to evaluate compliance with the ban and identify violations. The letter warned that strict legal action would be taken against any non-compliant products. It reiterated that the import and manufacture of conventional disposable syringes have been banned since July 31, 2021, with all product registrations cancelled. Provincial drug authorities and inspection teams have been directed to verify whether banned syringes continue to be sold in the market.
