DRAP orders use of auto-disable syringes

Regulatory authority takes decision to counter rising threat of contagious diseases

LAHORE: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has asked the importers to bring only auto-disable syringes to the country instead of conventional disposable syringes.

Following an order of the Ministry of National Health Services, the decision was made by DRAP to counter the rising threat of hepatitis, HIV/AIDS and other contagious diseases in the country.

According to a notification, DRAP, in pursuance of implementation of the national action plan to address the issue of unsafe injections in Pakistan, has decided to replace disposable syringes with auto-disable syringes.

To safeguard the public from the menace, the Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination constituted a National Task Force on Injection Safety. The ministry has decided that September 30 this year will be the deadline for import of conventional disposable syringes.

However, the special assistant to the prime minister on health will facilitate manufacturers by requesting the Federal Board of Revenue not to impose Customs Duty, Sales Tax and Income Tax on the import of auto-disable syringes.

The importers will submit their progress reports regarding switching to auto-disable syringes. They will provide evidence of submission of their applications for registration of auto-disable syringes and opening of LC in meetings to be chaired by the special assistant on April 6, June 1, August 3 and September 28.

DRAP will evaluate the applications for registration of auto-disable syringes on a priority basis and register the companies within 60 days of submission of applications.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 10^th, 2020.