Sindh grapples with spinal care deficit

Sindh and other parts of Pakistan face a severe shortage of spinal surgery facilities. As a result, patients with spinal fractures, slipped discs, and other serious conditions often cannot access timely or specialised care in public hospitals. Dr Akbar Jaleel Zubairi, Assistant Professor at the Aga Khan Hospital, revealed that both neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons perform spinal surgery. However, internationally—and now in Pakistan—special fellowship programmes in spine surgery are being introduced. “Orthopaedic surgeons handle spinal deformities and fractures while neurosurgeons treat spinal tumours and nerve conditions. In Pakistan, spinal care often begins after specialised training in orthopaedics or neurosurgery. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan has launched a spine fellowship, but only a few doctors have completed it so far,” noted Dr Zubairi.