Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed to completely ban the manufacturing and use of substandard syringes across the country to immediately curb the spread of infectious diseases.

He was chairing a meeting in Islamabad today regarding measures taken to prevent spread of HIV and Hepatitis C.

The Prime Minister instructed that legal action be taken against individuals and hospitals involved in the use of unauthorized syringes or found guilty of criminal negligence in preventing their use.

Shehbaz Sharif directed the formation of a special committee of experts to recommend measures for controlling communicable diseases. He emphasized that the committee must ensure consultation with the provinces while formulating its recommendations.

The Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Law to work with relevant departments to propose necessary amendments to the legal and regulatory framework. He stressed that the development and effective implementation of a comprehensive national strategy is the key to addressing this challenge.

Shehbaz Sharif directed the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to consult with the industry manufacturing medical devices and propose policy measures to permanently prevent the spread of infectious diseases through syringes.