Sindh Healthcare Commission Directs Mandatory Use of Auto-Disable, Single-Use Syringes

The Sindh Healthcare Commission (SHCC) directs all healthcare providers and facilities, including hospitals, laboratories, clinics, medical centres, laboratory collection points and maternity homes, to ensure strict compliance with requirements for auto-lock, single-use syringes.

Under the Sindh Regulation and Control of Disposable Syringes Act 2010, auto-disable syringes in 3cc and 5cc sizes must be used in all patient-care and diagnostic procedures with immediate effect.

Healthcare facilities must take an inventory of their remaining conventional syringes and plan to exhaust existing stocks completely by 31 December 2026. Procurement must be planned to ensure a timely transition to auto-disable syringes.

Under DRAP Notification No. F.6-7/2026-MD (M-135), dated 1 July 2026, conventional 1cc non-insulin and 10cc disposable syringes will not be permitted after 31 December 2026, except for limited specialised procedures carried out in public and private secondary and tertiary healthcare hospitals and institutions. The directive must be implemented in letter and spirit.

All healthcare establishments must ensure proper segregation of used sharps at the point of use, along with secure transportation, storage and disposal of used syringes, needles, drips and other sharps, in accordance with SHCC waste-management guidelines.

SHCC teams will monitor compliance with these regulatory requirements during periodic inspections, monitoring and regulatory visits.

Contact: Sindh Healthcare Commission, Block C, 2nd Floor, FTC Building, Shara-e-Faisal, Karachi. UAN: 021-111-117-422. Telephone: 021-38656000. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.shcc.org.pk.

Notice reference: INF-KRY/5068/26.