The DRAP syringe ban has been issued after Pakistan’s drug regulator flagged five batches of auto-disable syringes as substandard, raising serious concerns about patient safety and infection risks across the country.
The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has taken action against syringes manufactured by three different companies after laboratory tests found that the products failed to meet required safety standards. Officials said the affected syringes did not pass the auto-disable mechanism test, which is designed to prevent reuse after a single injection.
According to DRAP’s medical product alert, the failure means the syringes could potentially be reused, posing a major public health risk. Health experts warn that unsafe reuse of syringes can spread life-threatening infections, including hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
Authorities confirmed that the Central Drug Laboratory in Karachi tested the samples and identified multiple faults in the auto-disable system. The syringes were produced by companies based in Lahore, Peshawar, and Swabi.
Batches Ordered for Immediate Recall
DRAP has ordered provincial drug authorities to stop the sale and distribution of the banned syringes immediately. Market inspections have also been ordered to confiscate any remaining stock.
The banned batches include syringes from Surgi Plast Swabi, Frontier Pharmaceuticals Peshawar, and Sehat Medical Devices Lahore.
Manufacturers, distributors, and importers have been directed to recall the defective syringes from the market without delay. DRAP also warned healthcare providers and pharmacies to avoid using any of the identified batches.
Officials said the action is part of a wider crackdown on substandard medical devices in Pakistan. Similar alerts have recently been issued in different cities, including Karachi, where unsafe syringes were also detected in local markets.
Health authorities urge hospitals and clinics to stay vigilant and use only approved, tested medical supplies for patient care.
The DRAP syringe ban highlights ongoing concerns about medical device quality control and patient safety in Pakistan’s healthcare system.
