Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the manufacture and use of substandard syringes on Friday. The directive aims to curb the spread of infectious diseases, including HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C. Hospitals, manufacturers, healthcare workers, and patients across Pakistan will be directly affected by the new measures.
The prime minister issued the directive during a meeting reviewing efforts to prevent communicable diseases, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. The meeting included federal ministers, senior health officials, legal authorities, public health experts, and representatives of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan. Additionally, representatives from the Global Fund and the Ministry of National Health Services attended the session. Shehbaz ordered legal action against individuals and hospitals using non-compliant syringes or failing to prevent their use.
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Furthermore, the prime minister directed the formation of a committee of health experts to recommend measures for controlling infectious diseases. He instructed the committee to consult provincial governments before finalising its proposals. Meanwhile, the Law Ministry was tasked with proposing amendments to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework where necessary. Shehbaz stressed that a comprehensive national strategy and effective implementation remain essential to addressing the issue.
The premier also instructed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan to consult the medical devices industry and recommend policies preventing infections linked to syringe use. Moreover, he highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating communicable diseases. He called for greater focus on improving medical equipment manufacturing and internationally recognised training for healthcare workers. Officials also briefed the meeting on progress made by the special task force and the Health Ministry.
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The directive follows growing concern over a reported HIV outbreak at Karachi’s Kulsum Bai Valika Hospital. A petition before the Sindh High Court alleged contaminated disposable syringes were repeatedly reused because of medical negligence. The petition claimed more than 200 children contracted HIV, while several reportedly died. Earlier correspondence also revealed that 84 children were infected between November 2025 and February 2026.