STAFF REPORTER
PESHAWAR : Patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis and healthcare advocates have expressed serious concern over the high cost and limited access to modern treatment for the chronic neurological condition in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging the government to strengthen support mechanisms for young patients at risk of preventable disability.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disorder that damages the central nervous system, often leading to impaired mobility, vision problems, and long-term disability. The disease primarily affects young adults aged 20 to 40, with women accounting for a majority of reported cases.
According to the Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, nearly 2.9 million people worldwide are living with the disease. In Pakistan, neurologists estimate that between 12,000 and 14,000 patients have been diagnosed, although comprehensive national data remains unavailable.
Medical experts note that advances in treatment—particularly disease-modifying therapies (DMTs)—have significantly improved patient outcomes by slowing disease progression and reducing relapse rates. However, they warn that access to these therapies in Pakistan remains limited due to high costs and constrained healthcare resources.
Doctors estimate that annual treatment expenses can reach nearly Rs1 million per patient, making long-term care unaffordable for many families. As a result, many patients depend on provincial health coverage schemes such as the Sehat Card programme. However, experts say the allocated funding is often insufficient to cover the full cost of modern therapies, while public hospitals also lack consistent access to advanced medications.
Healthcare professionals caution that patients who are unable to continue uninterrupted treatment often experience disease progression, which can lead to irreversible neurological damage. They further highlight that delayed diagnosis remains a major challenge due to limited awareness, with many patients initially misdiagnosed or treated at advanced stages.
Experts and patient advocates have urged authorities to ensure sustained, affordable, and uninterrupted treatment for MS patients, warning that neglecting early and consistent care could significantly increase the long-term burden on the public healthcare system. They emphasize that improved access to treatment would allow many patients to remain active, independent, and productive in society.
