Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed a complete ban on substandard syringes to curb the spread of infectious diseases.
A high level review meeting on the prevention of infectious diseases such as AIDS and Hepatitis C was held under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, during which measures taken to prevent the spread of diseases across the country were reviewed.
The Prime Minister directed that the manufacture and use of substandard syringes be completely banned nationwide to ensure the immediate control of infectious diseases. He also ordered legal action against individuals and hospitals involved in the use of non-compliant syringes or those found guilty of criminal negligence in preventing their use.
He further directed the formation of a special committee comprising experts to address infectious diseases, ensure consultation with the provinces, and instructed the Ministry of Law to work with relevant institutions to propose necessary amendments to the legal and regulatory framework.
The Prime Minister said that the formulation of a comprehensive national strategy and its effective implementation is the only sustainable solution to the issue.
He directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to consult with the medical device manufacturing industry and propose effective policy measures for the permanent prevention of the spread of infectious diseases through syringes.
He also emphasized that the support of international partners is extremely important in ongoing efforts against infectious diseases, while special attention should be given to the local production of medical equipment used in treatment and the training of healthcare personnel in accordance with international standards.
During the meeting, a briefing was given on the measures taken to prevent infectious diseases by the special task force established on the Prime Minister’s instructions and by the Ministry of National Health Services.
The meeting was attended by Federal Minister for Law Azam Nazeer Tarar, Minister of State for Health Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Attorney General Mansoor Awan, a representative of the Global Fund, public health experts, representatives of the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan, and senior government officials.
