ISLAMABAD: Approximately 150 children die daily due to various birth defects in Pakistan
Renowned pediatric surgeon and President of the Association of Pediatric Surgeons of Pakistan, Dr. Muhammad Arshad disclosed that congenital defects or birth defects in children can be corrected immediately after birth through surgery or other procedures. However, unfortunately, the number of pediatric surgeons in Pakistan is less than 200.
Dr. Arshad emphasized that Pakistan’s population includes 33% children under the age of 15 yet the availability of pediatric surgeons to perform surgeries on children is severely lacking. In contrast in the United States where only 19% of the population comprises children under 15, there are hundreds of pediatric surgeons readily available for both general and complex surgeries.
Dr. Arshad pointed out that birth defects in children are the fifth leading cause of death. Besides birth defects, accidents, kidney stones, cancer and other diseases also necessitate pediatric surgeries. However, due to the severe shortage of pediatric surgeons in Pakistan approximately 26,000 to 27,000 children lose their lives annually.
He further explained that the lack of job opportunities in both private and government sectors compels Pakistani healthcare professionals especially pediatric specialists to seek employment abroad
