Reusable syringes banned in Pakistan: Faisal Sultan

ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said that Pakistan has banned reusable syringes in the country while the issue of sales tax on import of raw material for syringes is being under discussion with relevant ministries, ARY NEWS reported.

The remarks from the health minister came after concerns were raised regarding the shortage of syringes in the country owing to the imposition of sales tax on raw materials in the recently passed finance amendment bill.

“The 17 percent sales tax on raw material will double the price of syringes and create a shortage of it in the market,” the manufacturers and exporters of the medical equipment said. “Around 2 billion auto-disable syringes will be required to fulfil the market need,” they said.

SAPM Dr Faisal Sultan said that the issue of taxation will be resolved in the next few days and there will be no shortage of syringes in the market.

In July 2021, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) cancelled the registration of conventional syringes as now only single-use syringes will be available across the country.

The authority said that the non-availability of conventional needles and syringes will stop its usage more than once. It added that auto-disable (single-use and disposable) syringes will now be available across the country.

The restrictions on conventional syringes were taken into effect to stop the spread of novel coronavirus and HIV/Aids. The authority detailed that its medical device section cancelled the registration of 24 products of 21 firms.