Healthcare Devices Association of Pakistan alarmed by illegal syringes spreading HIV and hepatitis

• Warns banned, reusable devices still in market; devices falsely claiming ‘auto-disable’ are actually reusable
• Pushes for safe, compliant single-use syringe adoption; urges authorities to launch crackdown on entire supply chain

ISLAMABAD: The Healthcare Devices Association of Pakistan (HDAP) has expressed grave concern over the illegal manufacture and use of banned reusable syr­inges across the country, including the discovery of devices fraudulently labelled as “auto-disable” when they remain fully reusable.

HDAP warned that the practices pose a direct threat to public health by spreading disease.

“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,” the association said in a press release.

HDAP strongly condemned the illegal availability, distribution and use of banned reusable disposable syringes, whether through unauthorised manufacturing, import or other unlawful channels.

“The continued use of such un­­safe products significantly incre­a­ses the risk of transmission of blo­od-borne diseases including Hepa­titis B, Hepatitis C and HIV,” it stated.

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 reiterated its commitment to the promotion and supply of only proven quality, safe and internationally compliant healthcare products that meet approved regulatory standards.

It called upon federal and provincial authorities to move beyond reactive measures and implement “sustained enforcement” against all involved in the unlawful practice, from manufacturers and importers to distributors and healthcare operators using the banned products.

Reiterating its mission to uphold high standards of patient care, HDAP said it is committed to the supply of only safe, internationally compliant and regulated healthcare products. “HDAP reaffirms that its membership stands for quality, compliance and patient safety,” it stated.

“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.”

The organisation pledged to work with government institutions and healthcare stakeholders to eliminate the problem, strengthen market surveillance and promote the use of approved auto-disable syr­­inges to safeguard public health.

Published in Dawn, April 30th, 2026