More than 70 percent of around 350 drivers and travellers screened at a recent health camp on Pakistan’s motorways were unaware they had serious medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol — hidden threats that put them at significant risk of heart attacks and strokes.
The camp held at the Ghotki rest area along the Multan-Sukkur Motorway (M5) had been organised by the Discovering Diabetes and Discovering Hypertension initiatives in collaboration with the Motorway Police.
The results painted a worrying picture, revealing that 56 percent of the participants had high blood pressure, 38 percent were diabetic, and 29 percent had elevated cholesterol levels — three key risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, which remain the leading cause of death in Pakistan.
Medical experts stress that these conditions, often undiagnosed and unmanaged, drastically increase the likelihood of life-threatening cardiac events, strokes and other serious complications.
The data further revealed that at least 67 percent of the individuals had one or more of these risk factors, highlighting the urgent need for nationwide screening programmes and preventive health interventions.
Perhaps the most alarming was the discovery that 13 percent of those screened had all three conditions simultaneously, placing them at an extremely high risk of severe cardiovascular events. This group requires immediate medical intervention, including proper medication, lifestyle modifications and ongoing health monitoring.
Another 24 percent of those screened had two risk factors, placing them at elevated risk for heart disease. These individuals need urgent preventive measures to stop their conditions from worsening. Meanwhile, 29 percent of the participants had at least one risk factor, underlining the widespread nature of these silent health threats.
Experts emphasise that the situation at this single motorway rest area reflects the broader national health crisis, as an overwhelming number of people remain undiagnosed due to a lack of routine screenings, awareness, and access to health care.
If left unaddressed, Pakistan can face an even greater surge in cardiovascular diseases, putting immense strain on the country’s already burdened healthcare system.
Dr Zafar Saghar, consultant cardiologist from Ghotki, emphasised that the lack of awareness regarding cardiovascular risk factors is primarily due to limited screening and insufficient education about the consequences of the disease. The screening also highlighted the urgent need for targeted health interventions, particularly among high-risk individuals.
The high prevalence of hypertension and diabetes calls for immediate public health measures, including regular screenings for early detection of high blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol, public awareness campaigns focusing on lifestyle modifications, including healthier eating habits, regular physical activity and stress management.
Health experts also called for better access to treatment and preventive care, particularly for individuals with multiple risk factors. Healthcare professionals stress that prevention is the key to reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases in Pakistan.
They said government and private health sectors must work together to launch nationwide screening programmes that identify at-risk individuals before their conditions become severe. Additionally, investment in education and awareness campaigns is essential to encourage healthier lifestyles and reduce the prevalence of these deadly conditions.
With cardiovascular diseases already claiming thousands of lives annually in Pakistan, experts are urging policymakers to prioritise early detection, public awareness and targeted healthcare interventions to curb the growing epidemic of hypertension, diabetes and hypercholesterolemia.
Waqas Hashmi, project coordinator at the screening site, said the Discovering Hypertension outreach programme would conduct screening and awareness drives across 30 districts in Sindh throughout 2025.
The programme aims to reach a total of 10,000 community-based screenings and assessments, with a focus on raising awareness about hypertension and promoting early detection in local communities.
The findings from this motorway screening serve as a wake-up call, emphasising the need for urgent action to protect the nation’s health before it is too late.
Published in News Daily on 20-March-2025.