The quality of disposable syringes manufactured in Iran is on par with those made in Europe, says the commercial executive of a pioneer company manufacturing disposable medical devices and pharmaceutical industries said.
Ehsan Elahi added that the raw materials, knowhow and machines are available inside the country and the only problem is the high end-price of the product, which has given way to imports, Forsat-e Emrooz reported.
A syringe is a simple pump consisting of a plunger that fits tightly in a tube. The plunger can be pulled and pushed inside a cylindrical tube, allowing the syringe to take in and expel a liquid or gas through an orifice at the open end of the tube. The open end of the syringe may be fitted with a hypodermic needle, a nozzle or tubing to help direct the flow in and out of the barrel.
Syringes are often used to administer injections, insert intravenous drugs into the bloodstream and measure liquids.
Per capita consumption of syringes in European countries and North America is by far lower than that in other countries. Iran’s per capita consumption was 10 in the past but it has declined to seven per person in recent years. This is while around 20 disposable syringe manufacturers are active in Iran.
“Research shows that despite domestic production, a significant number of syringes are being imported. Therefore, it is advisable to revoke import permits for this medical device, especially those granted to China, in order to revive domestic production,” Elahi said.
Iran imports syringes from China, India and South Korea.
Investment in a syringe manufacturing plant could be lucrative, because of many reasons. To begin with, syringe is a strategic commodity. It is instrumental in performing all medical procedures and there is no replacement for this item. They are long-lasting and have always been listed among basic medical goods.
The raw materials of making this medical device are basically polyethylene and polypropylene, which are produced by downstream petrochemical industries. They are widely available in Iran. In fact, by putting money into this sector, you can help boost the domestic economy.
“To set up a syringe manufacturing plant with a capacity of producing 2.5 million pieces a year, you’ll need around 30 billion rials (around $1 million), $20 billion ($667,000) of which will be spent on the production line and purchase of machinery, and the remaining $10 billion ($333,000) will be used as working capital and for procurement of raw materials. Also, you’ll need a space of 1,000 square meters and 10 to 12 staff members,” Elahi concluded.
Sectors in the syringe and needle markets also produce disposable and safety syringes, injection pens, needleless injectors, insulin pumps and specialty needles. However, the domestic production of insulin syringes is inadequate and investment for their manufacture is a high priority.
