Essential and unavailable

Parkinson’s disease is a debilitating neurodegenerative condition that mostly affects the elderly, gradually taking away their independence and quality of life. It causes symptoms such as hand tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movements and cognitive decline, making everyday tasks like walking, eating or dressing extremely difficult. There is no cure, but levodopa-carbidopa, a medicine recognised as essential by the World Health Organization (WHO), has been the mainstay of treatment for managing symptoms. Unfortunately, this medicine is currently unavailable in many cities.

This is more than a medicine supply issue, it is a humanitarian concern. We urge the government and health authorities to act immediately to restore the availability of essential Parkinson’s medications. A reliable system for procurement and distribution is urgently needed to prevent future crises. Parkinson’s patients deserve to live with dignity. Ensuring access to their medication is the first step.

Dr Sajid Hameed

Karachi