KARACHI: On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day 2026, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) has expressed grave concern over the worsening state of tuberculosis (TB) control in the country, citing systemic neglect, chronic underfunding, and a severe shortage of essential medicines.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the PMA said that despite this year’s global theme, “Yes! We Can End TB,” the ground reality in Pakistan presents a starkly different picture, where critical gaps in healthcare delivery continue to undermine efforts to control the disease.
Pakistan remains the fifth highest TB-burden country globally, with approximately 686,000 new cases and 49,000 deaths reported annually. The association noted that the government’s commitment to the health sector remains insufficient, with TB control efforts suffering due to low prioritization in national planning.
Highlighting the challenges faced by both patients and healthcare providers, the PMA stated that standard TB medicines are frequently unavailable for adults, while shortages of pediatric formulations are even more severe, putting children at heightened risk. It termed the situation a serious failure of the healthcare system, emphasizing that effective disease control is not possible without a consistent supply of medicines.
The association pointed out multiple structural weaknesses, including persistent disruptions in the supply chain of first-line and multidrug-resistant (MDR) TB drugs, lack of standardized diagnostic facilities at the primary healthcare level, and inadequate investment in primary health centers, which serve as the frontline for TB detection.
Referring to the National Strategic Plan (2024–2026), which aims to reduce TB mortality by 35 percent, the PMA said such targets are unlikely to be achieved under current conditions. It added that the TB program continues to rely heavily on international donors, including the Global Fund, while domestic investment remains limited.
The PMA further noted that high TB incidence in densely populated urban areas such as Karachi and Lahore reflects broader socio-economic challenges. It warned that without uninterrupted access to medicines and widespread availability of modern diagnostic tools like GeneXpert testing, the risk of drug-resistant TB will continue to rise.
The association urged federal and provincial governments to increase domestic funding for TB control, ensure a year-round uninterrupted supply of medicines for all age groups, and strengthen diagnostic capacity at primary healthcare facilities. It also called for addressing underlying social determinants of TB, including malnutrition and overcrowding, through coordinated policy measures.
PMA Secretary General Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro emphasized that meaningful progress requires sustained investment and political commitment, stating that reliance on hope alone will not reverse the current trajectory of the disease.
