Pakistan to Ban 10cc Syringes Amid HIV Safety Concerns and Reuse Prevention Measures

Pakistan’s Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal has announced that the government is preparing to ban 10cc syringes nationwide as part of efforts to improve medical safety and prevent unsafe injection practices.

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, the minister said the policy aims to ensure that syringes used in medical treatment cannot be reused under any circumstances. He linked unsafe injection practices to reported HIV infections in several areas, including Islamabad, Taunsa, and Karachi.

He confirmed that 3cc syringes have already been banned, and now Pakistan to Ban 10cc Syringes After HIV Outbreak Concerns as part of a wider strategy to eliminate reuse risks in healthcare facilities.

However, the minister strongly rejected claims of an HIV epidemic in the country, stating that the increase in reported cases is due to expanded screening and improved testing capacity rather than a widespread outbreak.

According to official data shared, Pakistan had 49 HIV screening centers in 2020, where nearly 37,944 people were tested and 6,910 cases were identified. By 2025, the number of centers increased to 97, with over 374,126 screenings conducted and 14,182 cases reported.

The minister added that Pakistan currently has around 84,000 registered HIV patients, out of which approximately 61,000 are receiving treatment through government healthcare programs.

He emphasized that HIV is a manageable condition and no longer considered untreatable. However, medication is only available through designated government centers and is not sold in the open market. He also noted that patients who adhere to treatment do not transmit the virus further.

New medical advancements are also being introduced, including long-acting treatments that may require doses only once every six months or even annually, compared to traditional daily lifelong medication.

Kamal dismissed reports of recent HIV outbreaks in Islamabad and Taunsa, clarifying that no new cases have been recorded in these cities this year. He added that reported cases in Taunsa relate to 2024 data rather than 2026.

He further clarified that Islamabad has 618 registered HIV cases in total, including both local and non-local patients, with no recent surge observed.