4 lac people suffering from Parkinson in Pakistan : Prof. Khalid Mahmood

Lahore : There are more than 4 lac people suffering from Parkinson in Pakistan; among whom, 40,000 patients need surgery. Even though the treatment of Parkinson is not as expensive as in other countries, yet it is out of reach of poor class in Pakistan. Therefore, philanthropists, donors and social organizations must come forward for financial assistance to patients of Parkinson in the country.

This was expressed by Professor of Neurosurgery of Lahore General Hospital and pioneer of introduction of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) treatment of Parkinson in Pakistan, Dr. Khalid Mahmood while talking to media in connection with World Parkinson Day. He said that due to provision of modern medical equipments worth Rs. 50 million by Punjab Government, DBS treatment has been introduced at LGH, the first centre of this type in the country.

A number of Parkinson patients have recovered which was, of course, not possible without financial assistance by Khadam e Aala Punjab. He further said that patients of Parkinson are bearing expenses up to Rs. 10 million in U.S, U.K and other developed countries which is 5 time more cost than LGH. Many overseas Pakistanis, also Indians, have approached us for surgery and treatment of Parkinson, he told.

Dr. Khalid Mahmood said that people can fall prey to this ailment at any stage of their age. It becomes difficult to keep their arms, hands, legs and in some cases head still due to this disease. These parts of body shiver in such a way that patient become dependant to others.

Dr. Khalid Mahmood also informed about procedure and phases of DBS type of treatment.

Prof. Khalid Mahmood told that more than 6 million people are patients of Parkinson all over the world. Such patients deserve attention and encouragement of their family members. We should behave politely and decently with Parkinson patients. He stressed upon the young doctors to give more focus on DBS therapy by exerting research on the subject.