Substandard Syringes will be the focus of a new national strategy after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to curb their manufacture and use as part of efforts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases across Pakistan.
Chairing a meeting to review measures against infectious diseases, the prime minister said unsafe medical practices, including the use of substandard syringes, contribute significantly to the transmission of AIDS, Hepatitis C and other communicable diseases.
He instructed the relevant authorities to develop a comprehensive national strategy to eliminate the manufacture and use of substandard syringes. He also ordered legal action against individuals involved in producing or using such syringes, as well as hospitals found guilty of criminal negligence in disease prevention.
Prime Minister Shehbaz directed the formation of a special committee comprising health experts to recommend measures for controlling infectious diseases. He said the committee should consult provincial governments to ensure a coordinated nationwide response.
The prime minister also instructed the Ministry of Law to work with relevant institutions to propose amendments to the existing legal and regulatory framework. In addition, he directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to consult the medical device industry and submit policy recommendations.
He said Pakistan can effectively control AIDS, Hepatitis C and other infectious diseases only through a comprehensive national strategy backed by strong implementation.
The prime minister stressed the importance of expanding local manufacturing of medical treatment equipment, providing world-class training for healthcare professionals and strengthening cooperation with international partners to improve the country’s public health response.
He added that continued support from global partners remains essential in Pakistan’s efforts to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
