Healthcare Devices Association of Pakistan warns against illegal reusable syringes amid HIV, hepatitis risks

Karachi : The Healthcare Devices Association of Pakistan (HDAP) expresses grave concern over confirmed reports of the illegal manufacture, supply and use of banned reusable disposable syringes across Pakistan — and the even more alarming discovery of syringes being fraudulently labelled as Auto-Disable when they remain fully reusable. These are not merely regulatory violations. They are acts that have directly contributed to the transmission of HIV and other blood-borne infections among the most vulnerable members of our society, including children.

HDAP strongly condemns the illegal availability, distribution and use of banned reusable disposable syringes, whether through unauthorized manufacturing, import or any other unlawful channel, as these products pose a grave threat to public health and safety in Pakistan. The continued use of such unsafe products significantly increases the risk of transmission of blood-borne diseases including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV.

In line with HDAP’s mission to promote and protect the highest standards of patient care and ethical standards through networking, advocacy and expertise enhancement, the Association reiterates its firm commitment to the promotion and supply of only proven quality, safe and internationally compliant healthcare products that meet approved regulatory standards.

HDAP calls upon federal and provincial authorities to move beyond reactive measures and implement sustained enforcement against all those involved in this unlawful practice, including manufacturers, importers, distributors, suppliers and unauthorized healthcare operators using such products.

HDAP reaffirms that its membership stands for quality, compliance and patient safety. We expect all members to uphold these values and remain fully compliant with applicable laws and regulations. The Association will continue to support its members in meeting these standards and will work with relevant authorities to ensure that those who engage in unlawful practices are held accountable.

As a responsible representative body of the healthcare and medical devices sector, HDAP remains committed to working closely with government institutions, regulators and healthcare stakeholders to eliminate this menace, strengthen market surveillance, promote the use of approved auto-disable / auto-destructible syringes, and safeguard the health of our people.

HDAP believes that public awareness, effective regulation and collective national action are essential to eradicate this dangerous practice once and for all.