Doctors warn of ‘man-made epidemic’ as unsafe syringes resurface despite national ban
By Sardar Burhan :
Pakistan’s leading body of physicians has raised alarm over what it describes as a growing public health crisis, warning that the continued use of unsafe syringes could trigger a surge in infectious diseases across the country.
In a strongly worded statement, the Pakistan Medical Association said the widespread manufacture and use of reusable syringes despite a nationwide ban posed a serious threat, calling for urgent government intervention and stricter enforcement.
The association urged authorities to carry out a comprehensive audit of syringe manufacturing units and to confiscate all non-compliant stock. It also demanded a high-level investigation into how falsely labelled products, marketed as auto-disable syringes, were able to pass regulatory checks and enter the healthcare supply chain.
Auto-disable syringes are designed for single use, preventing reuse and reducing the risk of transmitting blood-borne infections. However, the PMA said recent findings suggested that some products labelled as such could in fact be reused, describing this as a “criminal deception”.
The group placed responsibility on the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan and provincial health authorities, accusing them of failing to enforce standards and protect public safety. It warned that the issue went beyond administrative oversight, calling it a direct threat to millions of people.
The warning comes amid rising concerns about the spread of diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C, both of which can be transmitted through contaminated medical equipment. The PMA cautioned that without immediate action, Pakistan could face what it termed a “man-made epidemic”.
Official estimates suggest that hundreds of thousands of people are currently living with HIV in the country, with new cases continuing to emerge. The association highlighted a worrying trend among children, noting a sharp increase in infections over the past decade. It also pointed to fatalities linked to AIDS-related complications, which it said were often associated with unsafe medical practices, including the reuse of syringes.
Pakistan already carries one of the highest burdens of Hepatitis C globally, and health experts have long warned that poor infection control measures could further accelerate its spread. The PMA warned that, without urgent reforms, the number of cases could rise significantly in the coming years.
The association criticised what it described as weak oversight of manufacturing hubs, particularly in industrial zones, and said provincial healthcare regulators had failed to curb unsafe practices, including the use of unqualified practitioners.
A nationwide ban on conventional disposable syringes, introduced in 2021, had initially been seen as a major step forward in infection control. However, the PMA said the policy now appeared to exist largely on paper, with implementation falling short.
In addition to enforcement measures, the association called for a public awareness campaign to help people identify genuine auto-disable syringes and reduce the risk of exposure to contaminated equipment.
Health experts say controlling the spread of infectious diseases will require coordinated action from both federal and provincial governments, including stronger regulation, improved monitoring, and greater accountability within the healthcare system. Without such measures, they warn, the consequences could place further strain on an already overstretched public health infrastructure.
About Author
