Health Experts Call for Awareness and Care Reform on National Epilepsy Day

 By: Aziz Khatri 

 KARACHI: A press conference marking National Epilepsy Day was held in Karachi, calling for sustained awareness and coordinated action to address the country’s epilepsy treatment gap and improve the lives of millions living with the condition in Pakistan.

The event was organised by Neurology Research and Patient Welfare Fund, which runs the National Epilepsy Centre at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, in collaboration with Epilepsy Support Pakistan. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to improving care, reducing stigma, and expanding awareness across communities.

In her welcome address, Hiba Mahmud described epilepsy as a common yet treatable neurological disorder still burdened by stigma, misconceptions, and a wide treatment gap. She highlighted the launch of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Control Programme of Pakistan in 2001, aimed at strengthening medical care, awareness, and community engagement through integrated services and outreach initiatives.

A documentary screening and patient narrative illustrated the daily struggles faced by people living with epilepsy, including delayed diagnosis, interrupted treatment, and social exclusion, while emphasising the transformative impact of timely care.

Addressing the gathering, Zarine Mogal outlined the development and continuity of integrated epilepsy programmes over the past 25 years and future directions. She noted that although epilepsy affects more than two million people nationwide, most can lead productive lives with access to affordable medicines, trained professionals, and informed communities. She stressed that epilepsy is neither rare nor contagious and should never be a cause for discrimination.

International collaboration was highlighted through a recorded message from Donna Walsh of the International Bureau of Epilepsy, who underscored the importance of global partnerships in improving care and advocacy. A message of solidarity from celebrated composer and actor Arshad Mahmud was also shared.

Shanaz Ramzi highlighted ongoing advocacy efforts to have February 28 officially recognised as National Epilepsy Day in tribute to Abdul Sattar Edhi, honouring his humanitarian service despite living with epilepsy. She urged government endorsement and called on media support to strengthen public awareness.

Chief guest Hina Khwaja Bayat spoke as an ambassador for epilepsy awareness, emphasising the importance of seeking timely medical help for a condition that is treatable but widely misunderstood.

The press conference concluded with an interactive session and a renewed commitment by the National Epilepsy Centre and its partners to expand comprehensive care, strengthen awareness campaigns, and work towards eliminating stigma associated with epilepsy.