Our Correspondence with Ministry of Health dated May 28, 2024

 #Aims to #End Blindness

#EndBlindness

Our First letter to the Ministry of Health - Pakistan

Dear Honorable Health Minister, 

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to draw your attention to a matter of utmost importance regarding vision loss in our country, particularly concerning the accessibility of Avastin (bevacizumab) for low-income patients in Pakistan.

As you may be aware, the recent findings of the third National Survey of Blindness in Pakistan, published in Dawn on September 7, 2022, revealed alarming statistics. Over 9 million individuals in our nation are afflicted with vision impairment, ranging from mild impairment to permanent blindness.

Avastin, a vital medication for addressing this issue, has been priced at Rs. 28,800 per 100 mg pack by Roche. To make it more affordable for low-income patients, it has been repackaged into smaller doses suitable for one-time eye injections, priced between Rs. 1,200 to 1,800 per dose.

However, in the past eight months, from September 2023 to May 2024, there have been unfortunate events. Bans on the sale and use of Avastin were imposed, investigations were conducted, and the findings were made public. Regrettably, during this period, the needs of patients and the severity of the disease were neglected, and no alternative low-cost treatments were provided.

As a concerned citizen and a patient myself, having battled Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) since 2008, I understand the urgency of this situation. With only 10% vision remaining in one eye, I have already undergone 16 injections, with another one urgently needed within the next 2 to 4 weeks to maintain this limited vision.

Therefore, I urge you, on behalf of the 9 million individuals suffering from vision impairment or blindness in Pakistan, to take swift action in the following areas:

1. Lift the ban on the sale, use, and preparation of low-cost, one-time dose Avastin for eye patients.

2. Enhance and regulate new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the process of altering, diluting, and dispensing medication to ensure a safe and hygienic environment throughout the process.

3. Implement strict monitoring mechanisms to ensure SOP compliance, as investigation reports have revealed that contamination occurred due to SOP violations.

Your prompt attention to these matters is crucial in safeguarding the health and well-being of millions of Pakistanis affected by vision impairment. We look to you for leadership and action in this critical time.

Thank you for your understanding and anticipated swift action.

Sincerely,