Aid for multiple sclerosis treatment uncertain

Hundreds of patients of multiple sclerosis (MS) in Punjab are facing uncertainty regarding continued funding for access to treatment available under the provincial healthcare system.

Neurologists warned that disruption in financial assistance for the treatment could push many patients toward disability as the chronic neurological disorder requires uninterrupted and expensive long-term therapy. The autoimmune disease attacks the central nervous system, affecting movement, balance, eyesight, speech and muscle control. It commonly affects people between the ages of 20 and 40, with women accounting for a majority of cases.

According to Multiple Sclerosis International Federation estimates, nearly 2.9 million people worldwide are living with the disease.

In Pakistan, neurologists estimate that between 12,000 and 14,000 people have been diagnosed with MS, although experts believe the actual number may be higher due to the absence of a national patient registry and weak disease surveillance systems.

Healthcare professionals say Punjab's MS patients are increasingly vulnerable because treatment costs remain beyond the reach of most middle and low income families. Disease modifying therapies (DMTs), considered essential to slowing progression and reducing relapses, can cost up to Rs1 million annually per patient.

Many patients depend on financial support available through the provincial health insurance framework, including coverage previously provided under the Sehat Card programme.

However, doctors say the annual limit of around Rs400,000 falls far short of covering the full cost of medicines, MRI scans, neurological consultations, rehabilitation and emergency care.

Medical experts fear that Punjab's gradual transition from broad health insurance models toward disease specific initiatives may leave MS patients in uncertainty.

Several patients and caregivers expressed concern that delays in approvals, interruptions in medicine supply and uncertainty surrounding future coverage were already affecting treatment schedules. Neurologists warn that disruption in therapy can trigger relapses.

"MS is not a disease for which patients can pause treatment and wait for policy decisions," said Dr Sara Khalid, a neurologist. "Every missed dose increases the risk of neurological deterioration that may never be reversed."

Health experts say chronic neurological illnesses often receive limited policy attention in the provincial healthcare system as compared to infectious diseases and emergency programmes.