Ashrafuddin Pirzada
LANDIKOTAL
Dsitrict Headquarters hospital Landikotal get two modern medical machines for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis, marking a significant step toward improving healthcare services for patients in Khyber district.
An opening ceremony was held st DHQ hospital in Landikotal which was attended by Medical Superintendent Dr Jameel, health staff, local elders and officials on Thursday.
The ThermoMed and Cryotherapy machines were installed through the special efforts of District Health Officer (DHO) Khyber, Dr. Rafiq Hayat.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Rafiq Hayat said the state-of-the-art machines, worth millions of rupees, would provide modern and effective treatment to leishmaniasis patients and significantly improve disease management in the district.
He said that while the installation of the new equipment represents a major advancement in treatment facilities, the availability of Glucantime injections in Pakistan remains essential for comprehensive and effective management of the disease. He urged the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to expedite the registration of Glucantime so that the medicine could become available across the country, enabling patients to receive timely treatment.
According to official health data, Khyber district has reported 1,859 active cases of leishmaniasis so far in 2026, compared to 2,368 cases recorded during the entire year of 2025.
Of the cases reported this year, Landikotal accounted for 962 cases, Jamrud 541 cases and Bara 213 cases, highlighting the continued burden of the disease across the district.
Residents welcomed the installation of the ThermoMed and Cryotherapy machines, expressing hope that the advanced treatment facilities would help curb the spread of leishmaniasis and improve access to quality healthcare. However, they also urged the federal government to ensure the early registration and availability of Glucantime injections so that patients in Khyber and other affected regions can benefit from complete and effective treatment.
