AGP Executive Report

Cancer Care: Shaukat Khanum’s Karachi hospital is nearing completion. The network says Pakistan records about 190,000 new cancer cases and 119,000 cancer deaths each year, and more than 75% of its patients receive free treatment. Health-system Reform: At a Karachi conference, experts called for stronger health data, research partnerships and evidence-led policy, saying hospitals and equipment alone cannot deliver better care. Trauma Care: A study of nearly 8,900 patients in four countries, including Pakistan, found almost half had died or were living with disability three months after injury, pointing to gaps in access and care pathways. Disease Watch: Sindh has reported 93 mpox cases and 11 deaths; a 50-year-old man in Nawabshah also tested positive. Islamabad has stepped up dengue surveillance as seasonal concern grows. Prevention: Pakistan’s latest polio campaign vaccinated more than 29.3 million children, but the country has reported its sixth case of 2026. Health Funding: A proposed $1.21 billion IMF disbursement is subject to board approval; the agreement includes commitments to improve social and health-sector spending.

Polio: Pakistan has reported its sixth case of 2026, in Khyber district, even as a recent vaccination campaign reached more than 29.3 million children. Mpox: A 50-year-old man from Nawabshah tested positive and was quarantined; health officials say Sindh has recorded 44 cases this year. Mental Health: A Pakistani advocate featured by WHO is urging policymakers to involve people with lived experience and address social pressures alongside clinical care. Child Health: WHO’s first global guidance on obesity care recommends structured diet, activity and behavioural support, with medicines considered for some adolescents under supervision. Medicine Safety: Islamabad doctors must obtain a drug-sale licence to run a pharmacy or medical store, under a new health ministry advisory; medicines dispensed only to a doctor’s own patients are exempt.

Hospital Supply Watch: Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad may face a free-medicines shortage as procurement delays have left no tenders signed for weeks, with stocks reportedly running down; the newly appointed executive director says patient care will be protected with “zero tolerance” for disruption. Public Health—Polio: Pakistan’s Sub-National Polio Vaccination Campaign wrapped up after vaccinating 29.3 million children under five across 113 districts, with security-related access gaps in parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa contributing to missed children. Infectious Disease—Mpox: Sindh reported 93 confirmed mpox cases and 11 deaths this year, including 23 child cases, with one suspected severe case admitted to Karachi’s infectious diseases hospital for testing. Health & Care Access: A drive to regulate banned polythene bags in Islamabad led to 96 arrests and seizure of 148kg, aiming to cut pollution that can worsen drainage and public health risks. Housing & Wellness: UN-Habitat marked World Habitat Day in Muscat, highlighting that adequate housing supports dignity, health, and resilience; Pakistan was among award recipients. Medical AI (Regional): A Bangladesh eye-camp initiative is using an AI smartphone tool to flag cataracts early, aiming to find patients in remote areas before surgical teams arrive.

Polio Watch: Pakistan reported its sixth polio case of 2026—a seven-year-old boy from Jamrud tehsil in Khyber district tested positive—prompting investigation and expanded vaccination for older children plus routine immunisation strengthening. Dengue Control: Islamabad’s District Health Office intensified dengue surveillance and vector control, urging residents to remove stagnant water and cooperate with field teams. Hepatitis C Access: Free hepatitis C screening, diagnosis and treatment is now available across designated public facilities in Islamabad under the Prime Minister’s elimination programme. Immunisation Drive (Balochistan): EPI Balochistan held a two-day review to assess routine vaccination performance and set priorities to reach every child. Cardiac Care Reimbursement: Federal employees and pensioners got clarity that treatment at Rawalpindi Institute of Cardiology is reimbursable under federal medical attendance rules. Labour & Rights: Labour Rights Index 2026 highlights Pakistan’s potential boost if Punjab’s Labour Code 2026 is applied, signaling momentum toward stronger worker protection. Health Policy: Pakistan launched its National Mental Health Policy 2026–2035, aiming to close the large treatment gap. Security Impact: Separate attacks in Dera Ismail Khan killed four FBR officials and a policeman, underscoring ongoing militant violence in KP.

Yemen Conflict: Saudi-backed Yemeni forces launched a lightning advance to retake the coast around Bab el-Mandeb up to Mocha, pushing Houthis into the highlands, while Houthis claimed attacks on Saudi sites including Riyadh’s airport and Aramco facilities. Karachi Health Drive: “Miles of Hope” brought classic car enthusiasts and neurosurgery groups together for brain tumor awareness in Karachi, focusing on early diagnosis and patient support. MDCAT & Medical Regulation: PMDC will act on the health minister’s directive after a legal review of MDCAT powers, while PMDC also clarified its role; separately, the FCCP ruled doctors who stock medicines for sale must obtain drug-sale licences. Hospital Leadership: PIMS reshuffled top management after the nursery fire, with new additional charges assigned to senior doctors. Islamabad Emergency & Dengue: CES reported 1,475 emergency calls in September; dengue prevention messages urged residents to remove standing water and protect against mosquito bites. Smog Action in Lahore: Punjab advised school carpooling to cut traffic emissions near schools as AQI hit 170. Public Health Vaccines: Mohmand launched a cervical cancer vaccination drive for girls aged 9–14 (Nov 2–14). Food Safety: Derby takeaway “New Desi Karahi” faced an “extensive” cockroach infestation and received a 0-star hygiene rating. Livestock Exports: PM approved duty-free livestock imports for specialised export farms, plus corporate restructuring and FMD eradication targets. Vaping Warning: YPAP urged an immediate ban on vape/e-cigarettes, citing toxic chemicals and youth health risks.

Polio Vaccination Push: Pakistan confirmed its sixth polio case of 2026 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—a 7-year-old boy from Jamrud—prompting intensified investigations and extra vaccination rounds, with KP already accounting for five of six cases this year. Medical Education Rule Change: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council removed the MDCAT requirement for Pakistanis seeking medicine/dentistry abroad, after Senate concerns questioned why the test was needed for foreign admissions. Men’s Health Fundraiser: Lahore’s Distinguished Gentleman’s Drive 2026 raised major support for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health, with the city ranking among top global fundraisers. Health & Safety Alerts: Punjab’s PDMA issued rain alerts for Oct 6–7, warning of possible landslides in hilly areas and asking health and other departments to stay ready. Local Health System & Care: Reports highlight long waits for surgery at Lahore’s Services Hospital, while Islamabad also expanded hepatitis C screening and treatment access. Public Health Misinformation: Cardiologists warned that cholesterol myths online are dangerous, stressing LDL’s role in heart risk and the need for regular testing and proper treatment. Cosmetics Crackdown: Hyderabad authorities seized unauthorized Pakistan-made skin-whitening cosmetics worth about Rs 7 lakh, with a wider distribution network under probe. Protest With Health Demands: PTI’s long march continues toward Islamabad, with leaders again demanding access to Imran Khan and medical examination/treatment as talks remain deadlocked.

Health-tech in surgery: A new report explores how AI is entering operating rooms and why the future is likely human–machine teamwork, not replacement. Public health & lifestyle: Karachi medical experts urged parents to cut fast food for children, warning it’s fueling early cardiovascular risk; they also highlighted anti-tobacco messages. Cardiovascular burden: Separate coverage cites hypertension affecting about 42% of Pakistanis, adding pressure on prevention and screening. Air quality warning: Lahore’s AQI hit unhealthy levels again as smog season approaches, raising concerns for vulnerable groups. Hajj health checks: Pakistan’s government Hajj scheme second installment collection starts Oct 5–20, with pilgrims required to upload a medical fitness certificate or risk cancellation. Community health access: Islamabad’s telemedicine centres reportedly benefited 14,000 patients, while free Hepatitis C screening is expanding in the capital. Wellness market: Zero Beyond Wellness partnered with Babar Azam to launch home fitness and recovery products. Politics with health angle: Imran Khan supporters began a march toward Islamabad demanding better medical access and release after talks failed.

Protest & Public Safety: PTI supporters began a long march toward Islamabad after government talks failed over jailed Imran Khan’s access and demands; authorities blocked key routes with shipping containers, raising concerns for health and emergency access during the multi-day convoy. Healthcare Access in Islamabad: Free Hepatitis C screening, diagnosis and treatment expanded to multiple public facilities under the national elimination programme, with citizens urged to seek early testing. Disease Prevention Push: Islamabad DHO intensified dengue surveillance and vector-control, urging residents to remove standing water and report breeding sites. Pharmacy Practice Upgrade: Islamabad formally started pharmacy services with pharmacists’ professional responsibilities defined to improve medication safety and patient care. Roads & Health Infrastructure Plans (Punjab): Maryam Nawaz inaugurated five Punjab PPP road projects, with the PPP model also set to cover hospitals, hostels and waste management. Maritime Health & Grief: Injured Pakistani sailors and remains of three crew killed in the MT Honour 25 Somalia incident arrived in Karachi for onward arrangements. Global Health Context: WHO data says Bangladesh’s life expectancy rose to 72.7 years, while Pakistan lags at 68.2—highlighting the need to improve healthy years, not just lifespan.

Hepatitis C Push: Islamabad’s District Health Office is offering free hepatitis C screening, diagnosis and treatment at multiple public facilities under the PM’s elimination programme, urging early testing to prevent complications. MDCAT Scrutiny: Pakistan’s health minister has ordered a transparent probe into Sindh MDCAT complaints, with a five-member committee (including PMDC) to report within 15 days. Cancer Care Boost: Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah reaffirmed support for specialised neuro-oncology and advanced cancer treatment at JPMC during the 7th Annual Neuro-Oncology Symposium. Robotic Surgery Upgrade: Ziauddin Hospital inaugurated its Robotic Surgery Program, saying two successful surgeries have already been performed. Rabies Warning: Sindh’s chief secretary revealed his wife received anti-rabies vaccination after a dog bite, as officials marked World Rabies Day and highlighted deaths despite vaccination. Water & Public Health: Karachi’s S-III sewerage project is set to expand capacity with Rs5bn allocated for secondary treatment to protect health and the environment. Health System Pressure: Rawalpindi tehsil headquarters hospitals are reportedly set for privatisation in phases, raising concerns for access. Long March Tensions: PTI’s Oct 4 Islamabad long march remains on after government-opposition talks failed, with warnings it won’t be allowed into Islamabad.

MDCAT Scrutiny: Pakistan’s health ministry has ordered the PMDC to investigate alleged irregularities in Sindh’s MDCAT 2026 results, including centre-by-centre checks of scores, pass rates, attendance and invigilation records; officials say a re-conduct could follow if negligence is proven. Healthcare Regulation: Lahore High Court rejected property-tax exemptions for a private medical college/hospital, ruling lessees can’t claim exemption just because they don’t own the property. Mental Health: WHO-backed coverage highlights a major mental health treatment gap (around 95%) and Pakistan’s push to expand mental health policy and services. Rabies & Public Health: Sindh is strengthening its rabies treatment network with 278 units, while reports also note rising rabies deaths. Air Quality & Environment: Pakistan improved its overall environmental ranking, but Lahore’s air quality worsened in September, with AQI rising versus last year; separate reporting also flags ongoing plastic bag enforcement efforts. Somalia Repatriation: Bodies of three Pakistanis killed during the MT Honour 25 tanker recovery reached Addis Ababa for repatriation, with compensation and housing announced for families.

Drug regulation: Pakistan’s Federal Constitutional Court ruled doctors can prescribe and dispense for their own patients, but cannot run medical stores or retail drug outlets without the licence required under the Drugs Act 1976. Mental health access: WHO says Pakistan’s mental health treatment gap is about 95%—around 32.4 million people need care, but only ~5% can access services, with a major shortage of psychiatrists. Healthcare oversight in Punjab: Punjab Healthcare Commission carried out 1,856 inspections in September, issuing notices to 104 facilities, suspending services at 36, and sealing four over serious regulatory gaps. Rabies and public health pressure: Sindh’s rabies treatment network expansion and ongoing rabies burden highlight continued strain on prevention and care systems. Hajj 2027 health compliance: Pakistan announced second installment payments for government Hajj scheme pilgrims from Oct 5–20 via Pak Hajj app/Digital Hajj Portal, with medical fitness certificates made mandatory. WASH coordination: Stakeholders urged stronger coordination to improve water, sanitation and hygiene services and boost climate resilience and women’s participation in decision-making. Security and safety: A terrorist attack in Tank killed a policeman and wounded another, while separate incidents reported police action and threats against medical staff.

National Mental Health Push: Pakistan launched its National Mental Health Policy 2026–2035, aiming to expand care for about 32 million people who need support, with mental health integrated into primary healthcare and community-based referrals as specialist capacity remains extremely limited. Public Health Access Gap: Health officials said the treatment gap is still around 95%, and stressed prevention, early identification, and support for children and young people. Air Quality Alert: Lahore topped the world’s most polluted cities again, with an AQI of 167 and PM2.5 levels far above WHO guidelines—residents were advised to limit outdoor activity and use masks. Infectious Disease Prevention: KP directed barbers to undergo screening for HIV, hepatitis and TB and keep certificates for inspection, alongside free testing camps. Hospital Safety Concern: A newborn reportedly went missing from Peshawar’s Lady Reading Hospital; an inquiry is underway as police investigate differing accounts. Health & Welfare Funding: PM Shehbaz announced Rs12.5m aid plus free education and healthcare for children of Pakistanis killed in Somalia, and housing for bereaved families.

Political Talks & Rights: Government and PTI negotiating committees started talks in Islamabad as the Oct 4 long march looms, while UN Scrutiny: UN experts condemned Pakistan for using vague counter-terrorism laws against human rights lawyers Imaan Mazari-Hazir and Hadi Ali Chattha, urging release and withdrawal of charges. Disaster & Safety: Punjab monsoon rains left 65 dead and 382 injured, and Karachi saw another fatal traffic crash as a speeding tanker crushed a father and son in Korangi. Health Policy: Pakistan launched the National Mental Health Policy 2026-2035 to reach 32.4 million people, and Cancer Awareness: Shaukat Khanum marked Breast Cancer Awareness Month, highlighting early detection and support for survivors. Public Health Crisis: Sindh’s rabies toll rose to 37 after two more child deaths linked to missed post-bite vaccination. Air Quality: Lahore ranked among Punjab’s worst for pollution with AQI around 170, warning sensitive groups to limit outdoor exposure. Medical Education: PMDC clarified MDCAT seat approvals and said public and private colleges follow the same regulatory framework. Agriculture & Nutrition: Punjab plans AI integration for farmers, while research suggests Parthenium-derived biochar could help sorghum tolerate salt stress.

MDCAT Scrutiny in Sindh: Pakistan’s Senate Standing Committee on National Health has ordered an investigation into complaints over MDCAT 2026 exam process and results in Sindh, especially Karachi, with an independent inquiry involving PMDC and the provincial government; the Sindh High Court is also hearing a petition alleging irregularities and errors in answer keys. Chewing Tobacco Toll: A new Lancet Global Health study estimates chewing tobacco caused about 251,000 deaths worldwide in 2023, with South Asia carrying the bulk of the burden—highlighting stroke and oral cancers as major drivers. Air Quality Alarm in Lahore: Commentary warns Lahore’s smog levels are already reaching dangerous ranges in September, urging stronger anti-smog enforcement beyond seasonal fixes. Health & Hygiene Push: Reckitt Pakistan and the Aga Khan Foundation launched “Saaf Sehatmand Pakistan,” starting with school-based safe water, sanitation and hygiene activities. Cosmetics Crackdown: Hyderabad authorities seized unauthorized cosmetics worth Rs 7 lakh, allegedly linked to a supply chain involving Pakistani-origin products, and booked sellers for violations. Inflation Watch: Pakistan’s inflation rose 1.27% in September, with electricity and fuel costs climbing and medicines up slightly. Somalia Crew Repatriation: Pakistan’s Foreign Office said bodies of three Pakistani crew members killed during the MT Honour 25 operation will be repatriated soon, while injured sailors are receiving treatment.

Pharma & Access: Pakistan’s retail medicine market hit Rs. 1.251 trillion in FY26, up 14.88% in value, but medicine volumes grew under 1%—a sign many households are still struggling to afford treatment. Medical Training: PMDC has renamed postgraduate doctors in training as “Specialty Registrars” instead of “Postgraduate Trainees” to boost professional status. Public Health & Safety: A third-year MBBS student drowned in AIMC Lahore’s swimming pool; classes were suspended and safety concerns are being raised after reports of no lifeguard. Air Quality: Lahore recorded an AQI of 184 while Dhaka hit 170, both in the “unhealthy” range—another reminder of the health risks from pollution. Healthcare Policy: PIMA rejected FBR’s push for point-of-sale systems in clinics, warning it could raise costs and expose sensitive patient information. Gender Violence: A Lahore court granted three-day physical remand in a gang-rape case involving a foreign national, with the suspect declining a medical exam. Infrastructure Health Link: Karachi’s Red Line BRT bridge collapse killed a duty guard, renewing calls for stricter construction safety. Global Health Finance: IsDB approved US$938m for clean energy, water, food security and health projects across Nigeria and five other member countries.

Polio & Public Health Security: Two polio vaccinators were abducted in Tank, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while administering oral vaccine, underlining ongoing risks to immunisation teams in border districts. Pharmacovigilance: Pakistan participated in the WHO Programme for International Drug Monitoring meeting in Costa Rica, with DRAP officials focusing on safer medicine use, risk communication, and patient safety. Healthcare Sector Protest: Private hospitals and clinics joined a strike against FBR tax measures, protesting the Point of Sale system and sales tax on healthcare services. Tanker Rescue Fallout: Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed three Pakistani sailors were killed during the MT Honour 25 rescue off Somalia, with four others injured and receiving treatment, while repatriation efforts for remains are underway. Heart Health Push: World Heart Day activities highlighted rising cardiovascular risk and calls for earlier action and prevention. Mental Health & Safety: A Karachi security guard allegedly attempted suicide by shooting himself, leaving him unconscious and under hospital care.