PM Shehbaz Sharif Announces Complete Ban on Substandard Syringes
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday directed a complete ban on the manufacturing and use of substandard syringes across the country to curb the spread of infectious diseases like AIDS and Hepatitis-C. The decision was taken during a high-level meeting reviewing measures to prevent infectious diseases.
Legal Action and Committee Formation
The prime minister ordered legal action against individuals and hospitals using substandard syringes or demonstrating criminal negligence in curbing their use. He also directed the formation of a special committee of experts to control infectious diseases, instructing the committee to hold consultations with the provinces while formulating its recommendations.
Regulatory and Policy Measures
PM Shehbaz directed the Ministry of Law to propose necessary amendments to the legal and regulatory framework in coordination with relevant institutions. Emphasizing a comprehensive national strategy and its effective implementation as the only solution, he directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to propose policy measures in consultation with the medical equipment industry to permanently prevent the spread of infectious diseases through syringes.
International Support and Healthcare Training
The prime minister underscored the support of international partners in ongoing efforts to curb the spread of infectious diseases, besides stressing special attention to the manufacturing of medical equipment and the training of healthcare staff.
Meeting Briefing and Attendees
The meeting was briefed by the Special Task Force, established on the prime minister’s directives, and the Ministry of National Health Services regarding measures taken to control the spread of infectious diseases. Attendees included Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister of State for Health Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Attorney General for Pakistan Mansoor Awan, Global Fund representative Izaskun Gaviria, public health experts, and representatives from the Ministry of National Health Services, DRAP, and senior government officials.
