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ARY NEWS

Jahangir Khan

  • Pakistan to ‘launch’ first nationwide cervical cancer vaccination drive

    Pakistan to ‘launch’ first nationwide cervical cancer vaccination drive

    Preparations are underway for Pakistan’s first-ever national cervical cancer vaccination campaign, ARY News reported on Sunday, citing sources.

    As per details, the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination drive is reportedly scheduled to run from September 15 to 27 across selected regions, including Punjab, Sindh, Azad Kashmir, and Islamabad, sources confirmed.

    Registration has already begun for the campaign, targeting girls aged 9 to 14 years enrolled in both public and private schools.

    According to health officials, the campaign is focused on school-going girls within the age bracket of 9 to 14 years, and their registration is currently ongoing.

    To raise awareness among parents, voice messages will be sent out informing them about the benefits and safety of the HPV vaccine.

    Read more: Pakistan develops first-ever vaccine for breast cancer prevention

    The campaign will be implemented through fixed vaccination sites and community centers, with mobile vaccination units also deployed to ensure broad access.

    In addition, health department teams will administer the vaccine directly in schools, sources added.

    Each eligible girl will receive one dose of the HPV vaccine, which is known to significantly reduce the risk of cervical cancer—a preventable yet deadly disease if left untreated.

    The initiative marks a major milestone in Pakistan’s public health efforts, aiming to protect future generations of women from a life-threatening but preventable illness.

  • DRAP issues warning on sale of counterfeit medicines’ batches

    DRAP issues warning on sale of counterfeit medicines’ batches

    ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has asked the public not to use specific batches of different medicines, declaring them as counterfeit.

    In a warning issued here, the DRAP has also released images of counterfeit medicines being sold in various parts of Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.

    These fake drugs include treatments for fever, body pain, inflammation, digestive issues, chest and throat infections, fungal infections, gynecological disorders, and neuropathy.

    The DRAP claimed to have uncovered a network distributing counterfeit medicines under the names of well-known local and international pharmaceutical brands.

    Following reports from provincial authorities, samples tested by drug testing laboratories in Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan confirmed that the medicines were fake.

    In response, DRAP has issued a rapid alert to prevent further distribution and sale.

    List of Counterfeit Medicines Identified

    • Brexin Tablets – Pain reliever (Batch No. 1192087)
    • Zetro 500mg Tablets – For throat infections (Batch No. F18031)
    • Augmentin 625mg Tablets – For chest infections (Batch No. 7F4W)
    • Tonoflex-P Tablets – Pain reliever (Batch No. KFM145)
    • Feston 10mg Tablets – For gynecological conditions (Batch No. 41160)
    • Gabica 300mg Capsules – For neuropathy (Batch No. 403C27)
    • Amcomox Capsules – For throat infections (Batch No. 08)
    • OmniDol N-Uk Tablets – For fever and body pain (Batch No. 1220)
  • Pakistan reports another monkeypox case

    Pakistan reports another monkeypox case

    ISLAMABAD: Another monkeypox case has been reported in Pakistan, raising the total number of cases this year to nine, ARY News reported on Tuesday, citing sources at the National Institute of Health (NIH).

    As per details, health officials said the latest patient is a 42-year-old resident of Attock who arrived in Islamabad from Dubai on August 15.

    Symptoms of monkeypox were detected during screening by Border Health Services at the airport. The patient was subsequently shifted from the airport to PIMS Hospital, the sources said.

    The NIH confirmed the diagnosis on August 18. However, the patient reportedly fled from the PIMS isolation ward but was later traced with the cooperation of the health department and placed under home isolation.

    His condition is stated to be stable.

    According to NIH sources, Pakistan has so far recorded 15 cases of monkeypox since the disease was declared a global health emergency in August 2024.

    Read more: Two more Monkeypox case reported in Pakistan

    Monkeypox is a viral disease caused by the Mpox virus.

    Although the natural reservoir of the virus remains unidentified, African rodents and non-human primates (such as monkeys) are suspected to harbor the virus and transmit it to humans.

    The disease typically manifests with a rash that appears 1 to 3 days following the onset of fever, starting on the face and then spreading to other areas of the body. The rash progresses through several stages: macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and scabs.

    Additional symptoms may include headache, muscle aches, exhaustion, and swollen lymph nodes. The incubation period generally ranges from 7 to 14 days but can vary between 5 and 21 days. The illness usually lasts between 2 and 4 weeks.

  • Pakistan reports two new polio cases as tally climbs to 21

    Pakistan reports two new polio cases as tally climbs to 21

    ISLAMABAD: The Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed two new cases of Polio.

    According to the official of Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication, one case was reported from District Kohistan Lower, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and the other from District Badin, Sindh.

    The latest cases involve a 72-month-old girl from Union Council Pattan in District Kohistan Lower and a 21-month-old girl from Union Council Matli-2 in District Badin.

    With these detections, the total number of polio cases in Pakistan in 2025 has reached to 21 with 13 from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, six from Sindh, and one each from Punjab and Gilgit-Baltistan.

    He said that Polio is a highly infectious and incurable disease that can cause lifelong paralysis. The only effective protection is through repeated doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) for every child under five during each campaign, alongside timely completion of all routine immunizations.

    He said that despite significant progress, the continued detection of polio cases shows that children remain at risk in areas with low vaccine acceptance.

    He added from September 1 to 7, 2025, a Sub-National Polio Vaccination Campaign will take place, targeting more than 28 million children under the age of five in 99 districts across all provinces and regions.

    The official said that the campaign in Southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will be conducted from September 15. The goal is to ensure every child in these districts receives the vaccine to protect them from the lifelong consequences of polio.

    This campaign is part of ongoing efforts to quickly strengthen immunity among children and close existing protection gaps, he added.

    He said that parents and caregivers have been urged to ensure their children receive the polio vaccine during this and every campaign.

    He said while frontline health workers continue to deliver critical vaccines to children, parents and caregivers can play an important role by ensuring their children receive all recommended doses of the polio vaccine and complete their routine immunizations.

    He said communities can protect their children by actively supporting vaccination efforts, countering misinformation, and encouraging others to vaccinate.

  • MDCAT 2025 exam schedule, latest fee announced

    MDCAT 2025 exam schedule, latest fee announced

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has released the schedule for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2025, ARY News reported.

    According to PMDC schedule, the MDCAT test is set to take place on October 5. The registration period for the test will run from August 8 to August 25, 2025, with late registration available until September 1, 2025, upon payment of a late fee.

    The PMDC has announced a slight increase of PKR 1,000 in the test fee, bringing the total to PKR 9,000 to cover operational costs, security, and logistics for the examination. The MDCAT 2025 will consist of 180 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).

    Earlier, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on Thursday released the new curriculum for the Medical and Dental Colleges Admission Test (MDCAT) 2025.

    MDCAT- All News and Updates

    According to PMDC President Dr. Rizwan Taj, the revised test will include five subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English, and Logical Reasoning.

    The exam will comprise 180 multiple choice questions (MCQs) and will have a duration of three hours. The question paper will be entirely MCQ-based and no negative marking will be applied. The questions will be categorized as 15% easy, 70% moderate and 15% difficult.

    Minimum 55% marks will be required for admission in a medical college and 50% marks will be required for dental college admission, Dr. Rizwan Taj stated.

    PMDC has also initiated the process of developing a question bank for the exam. The new curriculum has been prepared in consultation with academic experts, educational boards, and universities, he added.

    Read More: PMDC releases MDCAT 2025 new curriculum

  • WHO shares update on travel restrictions on Pakistan

    WHO shares update on travel restrictions on Pakistan

    ISLAMABAD: The World Health Organization (WHO) has decided to extend conditional international travel restrictions on Pakistan for an additional three months due to ongoing concerns about the spread of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1).

    The 42nd meeting of the WHO Emergency Committee for Polio, was held on June 18 via video conference, with participation from authorities of polio-affected countries.

    The committee reviewed the global spread of WPV1 and assessed the situation in Pakistan and Afghanistan, identifying both countries as persistent risks for the international spread of the virus.

    The WHO expressed concern over the continued transmission of WPV1 between Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly through cross-border movement in regions such as southern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Quetta Block, southern Afghanistan, Karachi, and Peshawar, where the virus remains prevalent.

    According to the WHO, the spread of WPV1 is facilitated by cross-border travel and the movement of displaced populations, with Pakistan reporting a significant increase in polio-positive sewage samples. Sensitive areas, including KP, Sindh, Balochistan, and central regions of Pakistan, continue to be hotspots for WPV1, with Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta Block identified as key strongholds of the virus.

    The WHO also raised concerns about a reported polio case in Gilgit-Baltistan and the number of children missing polio vaccinations in Pakistan.

    The WHO stated that achieving the 2025 polio eradication target is unlikely due to the ongoing viral spread. However, the organization expressed satisfaction with Pakistan’s polio eradication efforts and confidence in the quality of its vaccination campaigns.

    Pakistan’s Prime Minister and team were commended for their commitment to eliminating polio, with effective provincial and regional campaigns ongoing.

    The WHO emphasized the need for continued bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Afghanistan to curb polio transmission, urging both countries to sustain joint vaccination campaigns and enhance surveillance measures.

    Pakistan’s polio surveillance will continue for an additional three months, and mandatory polio vaccinations will be required for outbound travelers. The WHO will review Pakistan’s progress in polio eradication after this period. 

  • Poliovirus ‘detected’ in sewage samples from 20 districts across Pakistan

    Poliovirus ‘detected’ in sewage samples from 20 districts across Pakistan

    Poliovirus has been detected in sewage sample testing across Pakistan, ARY News reported on Sunday, citing the National Reference Laboratory.

    According to details, the National Reference Laboratory has completed nationwide sewage sample testing.

    Poliovirus has been detected in sewage samples from Islamabad and all four provinces, according to sources. A total of 28 sewage samples from 20 districts, including Islamabad, have tested positive for the crippling virus.

    Sources revealed that the environmental samples collected from sewer lines tested positive for Wild Poliovirus Type 1 (WPV1). These environmental samples were taken between May 8 and June 17.

    In Sindh, 14 sewage samples from 10 districts tested positive for polio. Three samples in Lahore also came back positive.

    In Balochistan, samples from three districts—Mastung, Khuzdar, and Sibi—confirmed the presence of poliovirus.

    Five samples from four districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa also tested positive. Two samples from two locations in Islamabad were also confirmed positive.

    In Azad Kashmir, one sample from district Mirpur tested positive for the poliovirus.

    Read more: Pakistan reports over 60,000 anti-polio vaccine refusals in April 2025

    In Sindh, Karachi East, West, South, Keamari, and Sukkur samples were polio-positive, as were samples from Jacobabad, Hyderabad, Qambar, Larkana, and Mirpurkhas.

    Poliovirus was also detected in samples from Dera Ismail Khan, Lakki Marwat, Mansehra, and Upper South Waziristan.

    Polio

    Polio is a paralyzing disease that has no cure. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five is essential to provide children high immunity against this terrible disease.

    The Pakistan Polio Program conducts multiple mass vaccination drives in a year, bringing the vaccine to children at their doorsteps, while the Expanded Program on Immunization provides vaccinations against 12 childhood disease free of charge at health facilities.

    It is crucial for parents to ensure vaccination for all their children under the age of five to keep them protected.

  • Pakistan ‘decides’ to launch polio vaccination injection campaign

    Pakistan ‘decides’ to launch polio vaccination injection campaign

    ISLAMABAD: The government of Pakistan has decided to administer inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) injections to children up to 15 years old in an effort to combat the polio virus, ARY News reported citing sources.

    According to sources, the initiative, driven by recommendations from global anti-polio organizations, will target children in Karachi, Lahore, and Peshawar during a special campaign over the next four months.

    The IPV injections, acting as a booster, aim to significantly enhance immunity against polio, particularly amid concerns over weakened immunity contributing to the spread of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1).

    The campaign, set to begin with a phased rollout, will see children vaccinated in a single day per phase to boost their immune response.

    The Technical Advisory Group (TAG), a global panel of polio experts for Pakistan and Afghanistan, recommended the IPV campaign during a meeting in Islamabad last week. Vaccines for the initiative will be provided by international organizations, ensuring a robust response to curb the virus’s spread.

    Read More: Poliovirus found in sewage samples of Pakistan’s seven districts

    Earlier, it was reported that Pakistan has witnessed over 60,000 polio vaccine refusal cases during the anti-polio drive held from April 21 to 27, 2025.

    During Pakistan’s second nationwide polio eradication campaign held from April 21 to 27, 2025, a total of 60,906 cases of polio vaccine refusal were reported.

    The highest number of refusals came from Sindh, where 39,073 cases were recorded — over 37,000 of them from Karachi alone.

    Balochistan also reported over 3,500 cases of polio vaccine refusal. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the polio vaccine refusal rate was reported at 0.4%.

    Cases of parental refusal to the anti-polio vaccine were also documented in Punjab and Islamabad.

    Authorities remain concerned about vaccine hesitancy, which continues to pose a significant threat to polio eradication efforts in the country

  • Punjab suspends Sehat Card Treatment outside province

    Punjab suspends Sehat Card Treatment outside province

    LAHORE: The Punjab government has suspended the Punjab Sehat Card, effective from July 1, 2025, excepting residents from availing medical treatment outside the province under the Sehat Sahulat Program, ARY News reported.

    The Punjab Sehat Card will no longer be operational in the federal territories and regions such as Islamabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Balochistan, and Gilgit-Baltistan.

    According to State Life Insurance Corporation’s official document, all empanelled hospitals in these regions have been instructed to stop providing free treatment to Punjab-based Sehat Card holders.

    The directive clarifies that only patients already under treatment before July 1 will be permitted to continue their care.

    The Sehat Sahulat Program, once welcomed as a landmark initiative for universal health coverage, is undergoing significant reform.

    While the Punjab Sehat Card suspension touches interprovincial access, the program remains active within Punjab and select areas of KP and Balochistan.

    This move follows the Punjab government’s wider decision to stop Sehat Card services in public hospitals altogether. As of June 30, 2025, free treatment under the card has been paused in all government hospitals across the province.

    The provincial administration, led by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, is likely to unveil a new targeted healthcare policy focusing on high-cost treatments such as dialysis, cancer care, and pediatric heart surgeries.

    Healthcare experts warn that the abrupt Sehat Sahulat Program changes may disproportionately impact low-income families who relied on the card for critical procedures.

    Meanwhile, the government has assured that new specialised health cards will be introduced to cover life-saving treatments, aiming to streamline resources and improve service delivery.

    The Punjab Sehat Card suspension marks a pivotal moment in the province’s healthcare landscape, signalling a shift from universal coverage to a more targeted, needs-based approach.

    Read More: DRAP’s rapid alert fuels Punjab’s drug crackdown

    The Punjab Drug Control Directorate has launched a key crackdown on counterfeit medicines in Punjab, indicating that the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to issue a national emergency warning.

  • Pakistan reports over 60,000 anti-polio vaccine refusals in April 2025

    Pakistan reports over 60,000 anti-polio vaccine refusals in April 2025

    Pakistan has witnessed over 60,000 polio vaccine refusal cases during the anti-polio drive held from April 21 to 27, 2025, ARY News reported on Sunday, quoting well-placed sources.

    As per details, during Pakistan’s second nationwide polio eradication campaign held from April 21 to 27, 2025, a total of 60,906 cases of polio vaccine refusal were reported.

    The highest number of refusals came from Sindh, where 39,073 cases were recorded — over 37,000 of them from Karachi alone.

    Balochistan also reported over 3,500 cases of polio vaccine refusal. In Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the polio vaccine refusal rate was reported at 0.4%.

    Cases of parental refusal to the anti-polio vaccine were also documented in Punjab and Islamabad.

    Authorities remain concerned about vaccine hesitancy, which continues to pose a significant threat to polio eradication efforts in the country.

    Meanwhile, Pakistan has reported another polio case, bringing the total number of cases in the country this year to 13.

    Read more: Pakistan ‘reports’ another polio case as tally reaches 13

    According to sources, the National Institute of Health (NIH) confirmed the latest case from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, specifically from the Ama Khel Union Council in Tank district.

    Polio

    Polio is a paralyzing disease that has no cure. Multiple doses of the oral polio vaccine and completion of the routine vaccination schedule for all children under the age of five is essential to provide children high immunity against this terrible disease.

    The Pakistan Polio Program conducts multiple mass vaccination drives in a year, bringing the vaccine to children at their doorsteps, while the Expanded Program on Immunization provides vaccinations against 12 childhood disease free of charge at health facilities.

    It is crucial for parents to ensure vaccination for all their children under the age of five to keep them protected.