KARACHI - Epilepsy Foundation of Pakistan President and noted neuro physician of the country Dr Fowzia Siddiqui Thursday said the number of cases of epilepsy in Pakistan is highest in whole Asia, but the matching efforts are not seen from the governmental side to reduce the burden of this disease.

She was addressing a webinar session of doctors in connection with the ongoing awareness campaign about epilepsy.

She said that with the rate of 9.8 per cent Pakistan tops in Asia regarding epilepsy burden, followed by Sri Lanka. She said that India has achieved an amazing success in control of epilepsy and the rate of these cases in India now is just 4 percent. She said that families and doctors have a basic role in proper management of the epilepsy patients. She said false and mysterious notions about this disease should be shunned now as this is treatable disease.

Dr Fowzia regretted that in Pakistan epilepsy drugs are sold in black market. She said that new drugs of this disease should be used in such a manner that they provide maximum benefit to the patients. She urged the epilepsy doctors to properly handle the families of epilepsy patients as many of these families believe that this disease is result of effects of some supernatural forces.