AGP Executive Report

Cancer Care: Punjab has approved Rs8.7 billion for a cancer hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan, as experts warn high treatment costs and delayed diagnosis are putting care out of reach for many patients. Hospital Services: PIMS says it is streamlining medicine supplies, upgrading equipment and expanding specialist services. ECNEC has also approved a new hospital in Islamabad. Diabetes: More than 34 million adults in Pakistan are living with diabetes, and the number could reach 70 million by 2050, an IDF warning says. The prime minister has called for a national strategy to curb the disease. Mental Health: World Mental Health Day brought fresh calls to tackle stigma and make professional support more accessible, with advocates urging services to include people with lived experience in care decisions. Dengue and Air Quality: Sindh has reported 93 dengue cases and 11 deaths, while Lahore’s pollution season is already drawing concern as smog returns.

Hospital Access: PIMS says it is upgrading medicine procurement, replacing ageing equipment and expanding specialist training. Punjab has approved an Rs8.7bn cancer hospital in Dera Ghazi Khan, due by 2029, to bring specialist care closer to patients. Prevention: Pakistan’s food standards committee is set to review nutrition and labelling rules on Oct. 12, including vitamin D fortification. Public health advocates warn that expert and civil society voices must be included. Universities have also signed a charter to phase out cigarettes, vapes and nicotine pouches on campuses. Mental Health: On World Mental Health Day, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called for stigma-free care and said the National Mental Health Policy 2026–35 aims to bring services into primary care, schools and communities. Diabetes: The prime minister called for a national response; an opinion piece says prevention must be practical, with affordable healthy food and safe places to exercise, alongside ongoing treatment. Climate and Health: Experts warn Karachi’s fragmented governance and unchecked urban growth are worsening climate risks and public health.

Mental Health: World Mental Health Day renewed calls to tackle stigma and expand care in Pakistan. An estimated 32.4 million people need support, but only 5% can access services; the new National Mental Health Policy aims to help close that gap. Patient Care: The Islamabad High Court upheld an order requiring PESCO to cover a nine-year-old girl’s treatment, prosthetic hands and rehabilitation after she lost both hands in an electric shock. Cancer Care: Reports warn that treatment costs are putting cancer care beyond many patients’ reach in Pakistan and widening the regional care gap. Polio: Shikarpur officials are preparing a November vaccination drive targeting more than 310,000 children under five.

Animal Health: Karachi elephant Madhubala has beaten tuberculosis, but severe weight loss and weak hind legs mean she still needs weeks of nutritional support, physiotherapy and intensive care. Medicine Safety: Pakistan’s pharmaceutical sector is preparing to use unique barcodes to track individual medicine packs, a shift aimed at improving traceability and patient safety. Hospital Access: Procurement delays are threatening medicine supplies at Islamabad’s PIMS, while JPMC doctors have protested three months of unpaid salaries. Polio: Pakistan’s sixth polio case of 2026, reported in Khyber, has prompted a fresh vaccination push. Mental Health: WHO’s new guide calls for community care that includes continued treatment, housing and practical support—not simply discharging people from psychiatric hospitals. Air Quality: An international study linked higher particle pollution with more nighttime coughing, including in areas where pollution remained below WHO limits.

Greener Punjab: Maryam Nawaz approved Parks and Horticulture Authorities in every district, with 2,820 technical posts and plans to expand tree planting and park restoration. Cancer Care: Pakistan is exploring AI-based cancer surveillance and precision oncology, alongside modern equipment proposed under Chinese grant funding. Newborn Health: Local startup KangarooCare AI is developing neonatal incubators, infant warmers and AI-assisted monitoring aimed at making advanced care more affordable for hospitals. Air Quality: Lahore recorded an unhealthy AQI of 186, a warning as winter pollution worsens. Disease Watch: A 50-year-old Nawabshah resident tested positive for mpox, while Khyber reported Pakistan’s sixth polio case of the year and prompted a fresh vaccination push. Health officials say the risk of plague spreading to Pakistan remains very low after a suspected case in Russia. Medicine Access: Procurement delays are threatening supplies at PIMS, adding pressure to a major public hospital.

Disease Watch: Pakistan says the risk of plague spreading from a suspected case in Russia is very low. Border entry points are on alert, and the National Institute of Health can test for the disease; the Russian case remains unconfirmed. Medical Education: The PMDC has asked Sindh to investigate MDCAT paper-leak allegations and report back within two weeks. Hospital Pressures: Medicine supplies at PIMS are threatened by procurement delays, while young doctors at Karachi’s JPMC protested over three months of unpaid salaries. Islamabad also sealed 92 premises for fire-safety violations after inspections that included 115 hospitals. Outbreaks: Sindh has reported 93 mpox cases and 11 deaths. Pakistan’s sixth polio case of the year, in Khyber district, has prompted a fresh vaccination push; a recent campaign vaccinated more than 29.3 million children.

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.