From Struggle to Strength: IHHN’s Cystic Fibrosis Journey

At a recent symposium held at National Institute of Child Health, Dr. Muhammad Fareeduddin presented “From Struggle to Strength – The Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Journey,” highlighting the evolution of cystic fibrosis care in Pakistan.

Cystic fibrosis, a progressive genetic disorder affecting multiple organs, remains significantly underdiagnosed in the country due to limited awareness, high diagnostic costs, and frequent misdiagnosis. Recognizing this gap, Indus Hospital & Health Network established Pakistan’s first dedicated CF clinic in 2018, laying the foundation for structured diagnosis and treatment.

Since then, the program has expanded to provide free diagnostic services including CFTR mutation testing and sweat chloride analysis, helping remove financial barriers for families. Pakistan has also been included in the European Cystic Fibrosis Society Patient Registry through collaboration among multiple hospitals, with Dr. Muhammad Fareeduddin serving as the country representative.

A major breakthrough came in 2025 with the introduction of Trikafta (Elexacaftor/Tezacaftor/Ivacaftor), a highly effective gene modulator therapy made available through international collaboration and donations. Currently, 89 patients in Karachi and Lahore are receiving the treatment, with many showing significant improvement in lung function, weight gain, and overall quality of life.

Beyond clinical progress, the treatment has transformed patients’ personal lives, restoring confidence and hope for the future. Many are now able to envision milestones such as marriage, family, and independent living.

The success of the initiative is driven by IHHN’s multidisciplinary “under one roof” care model, integrating pulmonology, nutrition, physiotherapy, psychology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and genetic counseling to provide holistic care for every patient.

From a single clinic in 2018 to a nationally recognized program today, IHHN’s cystic fibrosis journey reflects how collaboration, innovation, and compassionate care can transform the future of a neglected disease in Pakistan.