Daily Times

KARACHI: Health experts and social activists Sunday called for raising awareness, end fear, fight discrimination and show support for people affected by epilepsy and seizures.

Addressing a press conference at the National Epilepsy Centre of the Jinnah Postgraduate Medical College (JPMC), they emphasised the importance of public awareness, which should reach every nook and corner of Pakistan, about tackling the disease so that the common men understands what epilepsy is and that it is treatable.

Renowned social activist Nadia Jamil said that despite she had been suffering from epilepsy since 2011 and had been taking medicine regularly she was still leading a full professional life.

Prof Hasan Aziz and Dr Zarine Mogal spoke on the functioning of the National Epilepsy Centre.

“The National Epilepsy Centre is the only centre dedicated exclusively towards the management of people with epilepsy in Pakistan since 2007. Qualified specialists closely evaluate, diagnose and manage the patients. The specific diagnostic test – EEG – with video recording is carried out there. Each patient is provided 30 days antiepileptic medicines at a token cost.”

“To date, 8800 patients are registered with most coming for a monthly follow-up and their medicine quota. National Epilepsy Centre has been able to continue providing quality services to all people with epilepsy through the gracious donations of concerned citizens belonging to all walks of life. “

Prof Hasan Aziz, Dr Zarine Mogal, Dr Hiba Mahmud, Masuma Lotia and Shahnaz Ramzi were also present on the occasion.

Published in Daily Times, February 19^th 2018.