Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui, a renowned neurophysician and President of the Epilepsy Foundation Pakistan, has called on the government to take immediate steps to resolve the ongoing shortage of epilepsy medications and curb the rising prices that are making treatment inaccessible for many patients.
During a recent address, Dr. Siddiqui stressed the pressing need to educate junior doctors about epilepsy treatment, highlighting the importance of specialized training. To bridge this gap, the Epilepsy Foundation Pakistan organizes annual mini fellowships aimed at providing doctors with a comprehensive understanding of epilepsy care.
This year’s workshop, held in Swat and supported by Getz Pharma, brought together medical experts from across the country to focus on basic epilepsy management. Among the prominent participants were Dr. Rasheed Jumma, Dr. NailaShehbaz, Dr. Memona Siddiqui of Dow University of Health Sciences, Dr. AsfandNiazi from Shifa International, and Dr. Tipu Sultan from Children’s Hospital Lahore.
These specialists addressed various aspects of epilepsy, from surgical options to management in children, as well as the impact of epilepsy on women, particularly during pregnancy. Dr. Siddiqui expressed deep concern about the rising costs and shortages of crucial epilepsy medications, which have created barriers for effective treatment. She stated, “Price hikes and shortages of epilepsy medications are serious barriers to effective treatment in Pakistan. The government must intervene to control these factors, as epilepsy is becoming more prevalent.” She went on to emphasize that epilepsy medications should be classified as life-saving, ensuring their availability to all who need them. Moreover, she urged the government to subsidize these drugs, making them affordable for patients who face financial challenges. According to her, the high cost of devices designed to manage seizures adds to the burden, making it nearly impossible for ordinary citizens—even those with moderate incomes—to afford treatment. Epilepsy, Dr. Siddiqui warned, is spreading at an alarming rate, and without government intervention, the situation could worsen. She reiterated that epilepsy treatment in Pakistan needs to align with international standards, ensuring that both medications and devices are accessible to all patients.
The workshop also featured expert insights from the participating doctors. Dr. Rasheed Jumma discussed surgical treatments for epilepsy, while Dr. Tipu Sultan spoke about epilepsy in children.
Dr. NailaShehbaz addressed epilepsy’s effects on women during pregnancy and its impact on newborns, and Dr. AsfandNiazi explained the difference between strokes and epilepsy. Dr. Memona Siddiqui provided a detailed overview of the various forms of epilepsy and how they can be diagnosed effectively.
Dr. Fowzia Siddiqui made an urgent appeal for government action to prioritize epilepsy care. “Epilepsy is a growing concern, and without affordable access to necessary treatments and medications, countless patients will continue to suffer,” she said.
