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ARY NEWS

Jahangir Khan

  • Poliovirus detected in environmental samples of 26 districts

    Poliovirus detected in environmental samples of 26 districts

    ISLAMABAD: Officials have confirmed the presence of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) in environmental samples collected from sewage lines in 26 districts of Pakistan, ARY News reported.

    According to information provided by the Regional Reference Laboratory for Polio Eradication at the National Institute of Health (NIH), samples were collected from multiple locations, including Hyderabad, Jacobabad, Jamshoro, and Kambar.

    Furthermore, environmental samples containing poliovirus were identified in the districts of Central, East, Keamari, Korangi, Malir, and South in Karachi.

    In addition, the following areas reported the presence of poliovirus: Mirpur Khas, Shaheed Benazirabad, Sujawal, Sukkur, Chaman, Loralai, Pishin, Quetta, Zhob, Islamabad, Bajour, Peshawar, Dera Ghazi Khan, Lahore, Multan, and Rawalpindi.

    The identification of poliovirus in these environmental samples signifies the ongoing presence of the disease in the specified districts.

    Read also: Polio vaccination made mandatory for birth, marriage and death certificates

    On the other hand, Pakistan reported two more polio cases, bringing the total number of cases to 67 this year.

    According to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC), the wild poliovirus type 1 cases were reported in Kashmore Sindh and Tank Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

    This year, four cases have been reported from Tank, and two from Kashmore.

    Additionally, 19 cases have been reported from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 27 from Balochistan, 19 from Sindh, one from Punjab, and one from Islamabad.

    POLIO: Symptoms and risk

    Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours.

    The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine. Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck and pain in the limbs.

    One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.

  • Pakistan reports another polio case, tally reaches 64

    Pakistan reports another polio case, tally reaches 64

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported another polio case, bringing the total number of cases to 64 in 2024, ARY News reported.

    According to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) for Polio Eradication, the newly reported case emerged from Jacobabad Sindh.

    The NEOC confirmed that four cases have been reported form Jacobabad so far in 2024.

    It’s worth mentioning here that the recent rise in polio cases in Pakistan has sparked concerns for international organizations.

    Also read: Two arrested for ‘refusing’ anti-polio drops in Karachi

    According to sources, the international organization has called on Pakistan to implement emergency measures.

    Sources revealed that Pakistan has assured the international organizations of taking swift action to control polio.

    Anti-polio drive 

    Earlier, PM Shehbaz Sharif launched the anti-polio drive by administering polio drops to children under five years of age, emphasizing the government’s commitment to completely eradicate polio virus from Pakistan.

    During the inauguration, the prime minister highlighted the growing concern of rising polio cases, with around 60 new reported cases, but assured that with the combined efforts of the federal and provincial governments, the country would overcome this challenge.

    Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed his gratitude to the international partners who had supported Pakistan in the fight against polio, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO), and the government of Saudi Arabia.

    Symptoms and risk

    Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours.

    The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine. Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck and pain in the limbs.

    One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.

    The disease mainly affects children under 5 years of age. However, anyone of any age who is unvaccinated can contract the disease.

    There is no cure for the crippling disease, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.

    There are two vaccines available: oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine. Both are effective and safe, and both are used in different combinations worldwide, depending on local epidemiological and programmatic circumstances, to ensure the best possible protection to populations can be provided.

  • DRAP ‘registers’ another Made in Pakistan ventilator

    DRAP ‘registers’ another Made in Pakistan ventilator

    KARACHI: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has ‘registered’ another locally produced ventilator, ‘AlnnoVent’, in Pakistan, ARY News reported on Tuesday, citing well-informed sources.

    As per details, the AlnnoVent ventilator, manufactured by Alsons Industries, has successfully completed its clinical trials.

    DRAP has officially registered the AlnnoVent ventilator and issued a licence to Alsons Industries for its local production. In addition to meeting domestic demand, the ventilators will also be exported, contributing to the Pakistan’s economy.

    The Innovent ventilator has a shelf life of five years and is specifically designed for use by elderly patients, DRAP sources added.

    In an exclusive conversation with ARY News, DRAP CEO Dr. Asim Rauf said the priority of promoting Made in Pakistan medicines and medical equipment.

    “Pakistan’s pharmaceutical industry has entered a new era, and the export of locally produced ventilators will generate significant foreign exchange for the country. These live-saving machines will also serve as a symbol of Pakistan’s global recognition,” Dr. Asim Rauf stated.

    He further highlighted that the success of Made in Pakistan medical devices reflects the country’s growing technological capabilities and commitment to innovation.

    Read more: Drap registers Pakistan-made ventilator ‘i-LIVE’

    Earlier in 2021, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) registered an indigenously-developed intensive care unit (ICU) ventilator named “i-LIVE”, ARY News reported.

    The life-support machine was developed by the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC).

    Chief Executive Officer of the DRAP Dr Asim Rauf said that the i-LIVE ventilator was registered for a five-year period under the DRAP Act 2012 after its thorough technical examination.

  • MDCAT 2024 retake likely on THIS date in Islamabad

    MDCAT 2024 retake likely on THIS date in Islamabad

    ISLAMABAD: The Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT 2024) will be conducted once again in Islamabad on December 22, ARY News reported, quoting sources.

    The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has been informed about the updated MDCAT 2024 schedule. Decisions regarding the roll numbers of candidates and examination centers are expected to be made next week, sources added.

    Sources further said more than 30 examination centers across Islamabad for the test will be established for 17,597 candidates registered for the MDCAT 2024 retake.

    The recent registration has shown a drastic decrease in the number of candidates willing to take the test. Earlier 53,105 candidates were registered for the MDCAT but now only 17,597 have registered themselves.

    It may be noted in October, the Islamabad High Court (IHC) set aside the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) 2024 results and ordered to reconduct it.

    Read more: IHC nullifies MDCAT results, orders retest within month

    In its order, the IHC maintained that the MDCAT paper was out syllabus, directing the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Medical Bhutto University to reconduct the same within a month.

    According to the IHC, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) also declared the paper out of syllabus.

    IHC’s Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir issued a one-page order, directing the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Medical Bhutto University to reconduct test of the Islamabad based applicants

    In which it was said that the applicants of Islamabad limits should take the MD CAT exam again, Shaheed Zulfiqar Bhutto University will conduct the MD CAT test again in a month.

  • DRAP imposes ban on THESE joint pain, anti-inflammatory medicines

    DRAP imposes ban on THESE joint pain, anti-inflammatory medicines

    ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has identified two batches of joint pain and anti-inflammatory medications as substandard, issuing a recall alert to ensure public safety, ARY News reported.

    According to a DRAP spokesperson, Dexicain Tablets (300mg, Batch KF23006) and Nucocx Tablets (15mg, Batch 8463) have been declared substandard by the Central Drug Testing Laboratory in Karachi. Both batches have been banned for sale and use, as they failed to meet the required quality standards.

    DRAP warned that these substandard medications might pose serious health risks, including adverse reactions and reduced treatment efficacy. Nucocx, often used for gastrointestinal and cardiac conditions, could be especially harmful to patients, according to the issued alert.

    Pharmacies nationwide have been instructed to immediately halt the sale of the affected batches and return them to the manufacturers. DRAP has also directed the manufacturing companies to recall the defective batches from the market without delay.

    To ensure compliance, DRAP has intensified market surveillance and called on its regulatory field force to identify and confiscate any fake or substandard drugs. Suppliers of such medications will be strictly dealt with under the law.

    DRAP has advised healthcare professionals and the general public to report any adverse effects linked to these medications directly to the authority. Efforts are underway to trace and remove all affected batches from the market to prevent further harm.

    This action is part of DRAP’s ongoing commitment to maintaining drug safety and quality standards in Pakistan.

    Read More: DRAP launches portal to simplify medicine imports

    On December 4, patients relying on imported medicines have been given significant relief as Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) launches a new portal for guidance.

    According to repots, DRAP has introduced a specialised portal for information related to imported medicines and medical devices. The portal is accessible via the DRAP website and aims to streamline the import process for hospitals and patients.

    According to DRAP sources, the portal’s link has been shared with provincial governments, enabling hospitals and patients to independently import scarce medicines and medical devices. The initiative is governed under the Medical Device Rules, 2017, ensuring compliance and legal procedures.

    The portal will provide step-by-step guidance to individuals and institutions for importing medicines and devices. Once approved by DRAP, patients and hospitals will be able to legally import the required items.

    This step is aimed at discouraging the use of smuggled and illegally imported medicines and medical devices, which often lack verified quality and efficacy.

    Recently, counterfeit shipments of Avastin injections were seized in multiple cities, with Roche Pakistan declaring the batches as fake. Each year, millions worth of smuggled surgical instruments and medicines for liver, heart, kidney, and cancer treatment are trafficked into Pakistan.

    This initiative seeks to address these issues by encouraging legal imports and ensuring the availability of authentic medical products.

  • Pakistan reports four polio cases in 24 hours

    Pakistan reports four polio cases in 24 hours

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported four more polio cases in last 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 63 in 2024, ARY News reported.

    According to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) for Polio Eradication, the newly reported cases emerged from Dera Ismail Khan, Sukkur, Jacobabad and Tank.

    The NEOC confirmed that three case were reported in girls where one boy was affected by the deadly virus from Sukkur.

    Health authorities continue their efforts to combat the spread of the virus through vaccination campaigns and public awareness initiatives.

    It’s worth mentioning here that the recent rise in polio cases in Pakistan has sparked concerns for international organizations.

    Also read: Japan announces $3.1mn grant to support Pakistan’s polio drive

    According to sources, the international organization has called on Pakistan to implement emergency measures.

    Sources revealed that Pakistan has assured the international organizations of taking swift action to control polio.

    Furthermore, these organizations who work to combat the polio virus likely to visit Pakistan later this month.

    Symptoms and risk

    Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours.

    The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine. Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck and pain in the limbs.

    One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.

    The disease mainly affects children under 5 years of age. However, anyone of any age who is unvaccinated can contract the disease.

    There is no cure for the crippling disease, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.

    There are two vaccines available: oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine. Both are effective and safe, and both are used in different combinations worldwide, depending on local epidemiological and programmatic circumstances, to ensure the best possible protection to populations can be provided.

  • Organ transplants temporarily banned in Islamabad

    Organ transplants temporarily banned in Islamabad

    ISLAMABAD: In light of a recent scandal involving illegal kidney transplants in private hospitals in Islamabad, the Human Organ Transplant Authority (HOTA) has imposed a temporary ban on organ transplants in both public and private hospitals across the city, ARY News reported

    According to official sources, HOTA has issued letters to hospitals, citing non-compliance with organ transplant regulations and violations of the HOTA Act 2010. The ban will remain in effect until further notice. Hospitals that fail to establish evaluation committees for organ transplants have had their transplant units suspended.

    HOTA had earlier directed federal hospitals to form evaluation committees by November 30, 2024, but many failed to comply. This non-compliance has been deemed a violation of the HOTA Act 2010, and disciplinary action will be taken against these hospitals.

    The authority had previously sent notices on November 20, 2024, instructing hospitals to set up evaluation committees to ensure adherence to organ transplant rules. Despite these warnings, several public and private hospitals disregarded the directives, leading to the suspension of transplant activities.

    HOTA has emphasized that strict action will be taken against hospitals failing to comply with these regulations, as the absence of proper evaluation committees poses significant ethical and legal challenges.

    Read More: DRAP imposes ban on THESE diabetes, life-saving medicines

    Earlier on December 3, DRAP imposed a ban on eight batches of counterfeit and substandard medicines used for diabetes and life-saving treatments, citing concerns over their quality, efficacy, and potential impact on patient care.

    According to reports, DRAP is conducting a crackdown across Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it identified and seized counterfeit and substandard medicines.

    The Central Drug Testing Lab in Karachi declared eight batches of these medicines as substandard. The banned batches include: Diabetes Tablet: Amplemet XR (Batch 39224), Antibiotic Injection: Esanix (Batch IA702), Drip Solution: Zesol Drip (Batch 2408207), Sterile Water for Injection: (Batch WI893), Bacterial Infection Medicine: Flagenis Suspension (Batch 0362), Anti-Allergy Syrup: Desora Syrup (Batch S23236) and Vitamin B12 Infusions: Cyanoco Infusion (Batch 6609) and Cyanoco Super (Batch 6403).

    The medicines in question were produced by companies in Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Haripur. Investigations revealed that these drugs had unclear efficacy and posed risks to patient treatment.

    DRAP has directed strict measures to eliminate counterfeit and substandard medicines, calling for thorough investigations of the supply chain and immediate confiscation of the affected batches from markets nationwide.

     

  • Poliovirus: WHO extends travel restrictions on Pakistan

    Poliovirus: WHO extends travel restrictions on Pakistan

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has extended travel restrictions on Pakistan for 90 days amid outbreak of polio cases.

    The extension came during the meeting of the Emergency Committee of the WHO held on November 6 regarding the international spread of poliovirus at WHO headquarters, according to a statement.

    The Emergency Committee reviewed the data on wild poliovirus (WPV1) and circulating vaccine derived polioviruses (cVDPV). The Secretariat presented a report of progress for affected IHR States Parties subject to Temporary Recommendations.

    The meeting also reviewed the steps being taken by the Pakistani government to control the increasing number of poliovirus cases.

    The WHO expressed concerns over the increasing number of polio cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

    It is to be noted that Pakistan has reported 59 cases of the crippling disease in 2024 so far.

    According to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) for Polio Eradication, the newly reported cases emerged from Dera Ismail Khan, Kemari, and Kashmore.

    The NEOC confirmed that all affected children tested positive for Wild Polio Virus Type 1.

    Read more: Pakistan reports three new polio cases, tally rises to 59 in 2024

    Balochistan leads with 26 polio cases, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 16, Sindh with 15, Punjab with one, and Islamabad with one.

    Health authorities continue their efforts to combat the spread of the virus through vaccination campaigns and public awareness initiatives.

    Symptoms and risk

    Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours.

    The poliovirus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine. Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck and pain in the limbs.

    One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.

    The disease mainly affects children under 5 years of age. However, anyone of any age who is unvaccinated can contract the disease.

    There is no cure for the crippling disease, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.

    There are two vaccines available: oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine. Both are effective and safe, and both are used in different combinations worldwide, depending on local epidemiological and programmatic circumstances, to ensure the best possible protection to populations can be provided.

  • DRAP imposes ban on THESE diabetes, life-saving medicines

    DRAP imposes ban on THESE diabetes, life-saving medicines

    ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has imposed a ban on eight batches of counterfeit and substandard medicines used for diabetes and life-saving treatments, citing concerns over their quality, efficacy, and potential impact on patient care, ARY News reported.

    According to reports, DRAP is conducting a crackdown across Punjab, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where it identified and seized counterfeit and substandard medicines.

    The Central Drug Testing Lab in Karachi declared eight batches of these medicines as substandard. The banned batches include: Diabetes Tablet: Amplemet XR (Batch 39224), Antibiotic Injection: Esanix (Batch IA702), Drip Solution: Zesol Drip (Batch 2408207), Sterile Water for Injection: (Batch WI893), Bacterial Infection Medicine: Flagenis Suspension (Batch 0362), Anti-Allergy Syrup: Desora Syrup (Batch S23236) and Vitamin B12 Infusions: Cyanoco Infusion (Batch 6609) and Cyanoco Super (Batch 6403).

    The medicines in question were produced by companies in Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, and Haripur. Investigations revealed that these drugs had unclear efficacy and posed risks to patient treatment.

    DRAP has directed strict measures to eliminate counterfeit and substandard medicines, calling for thorough investigations of the supply chain and immediate confiscation of the affected batches from markets nationwide.

    Earlier on 30 Nov 2024, DRAP imposed a ban on the sale and use of a particular batch of Nabaxo 10 mg tablets, citing quality concerns.

    According to details, DRAP issued a product recall alert for batch 263 of Nabaxo tablets, manufactured by Wenovo Pharmaceuticals, Taxila.

    This batch was deemed substandard after failing to meet quality control standards during testing conducted by the Drug Testing Lab, Rawalpindi.

    Read More: DRAP bans sale of THIS popular blood thinner tablet

    The Nabaxo tablet, used for conditions like thrombosis and pulmonary embolism to prevent blood clots in veins and lungs, contains the active ingredient Rivaroxaban. However, the substandard batch raises concerns over treatment efficacy.

    DRAP directed the manufacturer to halt the supply of the affected batch and recall it from the market. Chemists and distributors had been instructed to stop sales of the batch immediately and return their stock. Meanwhile, doctors and patients were advised to avoid the use of the affected tablets.

  • Pakistan reports three new polio cases, tally rises to 59 in 2024

    Pakistan reports three new polio cases, tally rises to 59 in 2024

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has reported three more polio cases, bringing the total number of cases to 59 in 2024, ARY News reported on Tuesday.

    According to the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) for Polio Eradication, the newly reported cases emerged from Dera Ismail Khan, Kemari, and Kashmore.

    The NEOC confirmed that all affected children tested positive for Wild Polio Virus Type 1.

    Balochistan leads with 26 polio cases, followed by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa with 16, Sindh with 15, Punjab with one, and Islamabad with one.

    Health authorities continue their efforts to combat the spread of the virus through vaccination campaigns and public awareness initiatives.

    It’s worth mentioning here that the recent rise in polio cases in Pakistan has sparked concerns for international organizations.

    According to sources, the international organization has called on Pakistan to implement emergency measures.

    Sources revealed that Pakistan has assured the international organizations of taking swift action to control polio.

    Read more: Rise in Pakistan’s Polio cases sparks ‘global concern’

    Furthermore, these organizations who work to combat the polio virus likely to visit Pakistan later this month.

    Symptoms and risk

    Polio is a highly infectious disease caused by a virus. It invades the nervous system and can cause total paralysis in a matter of hours.

    The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (for example, contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine. Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck and pain in the limbs.

    One in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralysed, 5–10% die when their breathing muscles become immobilized.

    The disease mainly affects children under 5 years of age. However, anyone of any age who is unvaccinated can contract the disease.

    There is no cure for the crippling disease, it can only be prevented. Polio vaccine, given multiple times, can protect a child for life.

    There are two vaccines available: oral polio vaccine and inactivated polio vaccine. Both are effective and safe, and both are used in different combinations worldwide, depending on local epidemiological and programmatic circumstances, to ensure the best possible protection to populations can be provided.