SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Pakistan Medical Association warns of “man-made epidemic” due to syringe reuse

PMA raises alarm over unsafe medical practices, warning that reuse of syringes could trigger a widespread health crisis in Pakistan.
2026-05-02
Pakistan Medical Association warns of “man-made epidemic” due to syringe reuse

The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has issued a strong warning about the growing risk of a “man-made epidemic” in Pakistan caused by the reuse of syringes and other unsafe medical practices.

According to the association, the repeated use of disposable syringes — often due to poor regulation, cost-cutting, or negligence — is contributing to the rapid spread of dangerous infections such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV. Medical experts say these practices are especially common in under-regulated clinics and rural areas, where proper sterilisation protocols are often ignored.

The PMA has urged health authorities to take immediate action, including strict monitoring of healthcare facilities, enforcement of safety standards, and public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the risks of reused medical equipment.

Experts warn that if the issue is not addressed urgently, Pakistan could face a large-scale public health crisis that would put additional strain on the already burdened healthcare system.