Press Conference on National Epilepsy Day Calls for Closing Pakistan’s Epilepsy Treatment Gap through Sustained Awareness

February 28, 2026, Karachi: The NGO Neurology Research and Patient Welfare Fund (NRPWF) run National Epilepsy Centre (NEC) at JPMC, in collaboration with Epilepsy Support Pakistan (ESP), held a press conference here earlier today to mark National Epilepsy Day and to reaffirm a national commitment to improving the lives of people with epilepsy across Pakistan.
In her welcome address, Dr Hiba Mahmud highlighted epilepsy as a common and treatable neurological disorder that remains burdened by stigma, misconceptions, and a wide treatment gap in the country. She added. “These concerns led to the launch of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Control Programme of Pakistan (CECP) in 2001 by NRPWF. The programme was established to systematically address these challenges through its expanded NEC, providing comprehensive medical care and support, and the ESP, focused on public awareness, education, and community engagement.”
A short documentary and a patient narrative presented during the session illustrated the daily challenges faced by people with epilepsy, including delayed diagnosis, interrupted treatment, and social exclusion, while emphasising the life-changing impact of timely and continuous care.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Zarine Mogal, Head of National Epilepsy Centre outlined the planning, implementation, and continuity of NEC’s integrated epilepsy programmes over the last 25 years, and future directions. She stated that although epilepsy affects over two million Pakistanis, with awareness and proper support, most individuals can lead productive and dignified lives with access to affordable medicines, trained healthcare professionals, and community assistance. She further noted that for every person with epilepsy, at least five family members are indirectly affected due to myths and lack of awareness. “Epilepsy is not rare, not contagious, and not a reason for discrimination. It is a public health issue that demands ethical medical practice, continuity of care, and informed communities,” she said.
International support was acknowledged through a recorded message from Donna Walsh, CEO of the International Bureau of Epilepsy, emphasising the importance of global partnerships in epilepsy care and advocacy, and the important role Pakistan was playing. A message of solidarity by celebrated music composer, actor Arshad Mahmud, expressing support for people with epilepsy, was also shown.
Shanaz Ramzi, President ESP, highlighted that while National Epilepsy Day mobilises attention, Epilepsy Awareness Month sustains public engagement. She shared that they have been pitching for 28th February to be officially observed as National Epilepsy Day as a tribute to Abdul Sattar Edhi on his birth anniversary, recognising his lifelong humanitarian service despite living with epilepsy. She stressed the need for the government to endorse it, and sought media assistance.
Finally, the chief guest of the evening, renowned actor, anchor, activist Hina Khwaja Bayat, spoke on the occasion, donning the mantle of ambassador for epilepsy, and stressing the importance of seeking help for a condition that is treatable, but largely misunderstood.
The press conference concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session and a reaffirmation of NEC’s commitment to comprehensive epilepsy care, public awareness, and stigma reduction.