Substandard syringes found in market,raising HIV and hepatitis risk warning

The Sindh Drug Testing Laboratory (SDTL) has declared several syringes of different companies being sold in Karachi and other parts of the country as substandard, warning that their use may increase the risk of the spread of HIV and hepatitis across the country.

According to SDTL Director Adnan Rizvi, samples of 3ml and 5ml syringes were collected from various markets in the metropolis and tested for auto-disable functionality. He said the laboratory's findings revealed that six brands failed to meet the required safety standards.

Rizvi further stated that the concerned companies manufacture and supply syringes not only in Karachi but also to several other cities and rural areas across the country, raising serious concerns over public health safety. He warned that if the circulation of substandard syringes is not checked in time, it could lead to a serious public health crisis.

He further said that a detailed report has been forwarded to relevant drug inspectors, the secretary of the Quality Control Board Karachi, and other concerned authorities for legal and administrative action against the responsible manufacturers.

He added that drug inspectors had collected samples of more than 30 syringe brands from different markets across the city, and further testing is currently underway.

The director stressed that unsafe and reusable syringes are a major contributing factor in the spread of HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C. He said the tested substandard syringes failed to meet auto-disable and reuse-prevention standards, as their safety mechanisms did not function properly.