Pakistan is on the brink of a severe healthcare challenge, with estimates suggesting that by 2030, the country will need to perform 1.84 million cataract surgeries annually to meet the growing demand. This grave situation demands immediate government intervention as the current system heavily relies on private and charitable sectors.
According to the statement released today by Al-Shifa Trust Eye Hospital, under the leadership of Professor Dr. Sabihuddin Ahmed, approximately 60,000 cataract surgeries are performed annually. However, given the rapidly increasing number of patients, this effort is insufficient. Alarmingly, around 570,000 adults in the country are blind due to cataracts, while another 3.56 million suffer from visual impairment.
The distribution of cataract surgeries further highlights the reliance on non-governmental sectors, with 42.4% of operations conducted in private hospitals and 39.9% through NGOs. On the other hand, this rate is only 17.7% in government hospitals. Low-income individuals mainly rely on charities for treatment.
The shortage of ophthalmologists is exacerbating the crisis, with only 15 specialists available per million people in Pakistan, which is significantly lower compared to developed countries. Al-Shifa Trust trains approximately 20 new specialists annually, but this number is insufficient for the country’s needs.
Diabetes plays a significant role in the increasing number of cataract patients, with 34.5 million adults currently suffering from the disease, and it is expected to increase significantly. The financial burden is another major barrier, with 76.1% of patients citing economic constraints as the primary reason for delaying surgery.
Women face additional challenges due to restrictions on mobility and financial decision-making power, which delay their access to necessary treatment. Professor Dr. Sabihuddin Ahmed emphasizes the importance of routine eye examinations and regular cataract screenings for diabetic patients in government hospitals to prevent avoidable blindness.
Without increased investment in the health sector and strategic planning, the number of individuals affected by avoidable vision loss will rise, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive policy intervention.