UNAVAILABILITY OF DANTROLENE IN PAKISTAN: A WAY FORWARD

Abstract

Background: In this rapidly advancing period of scientific knowledge and technology, Pakistan is facing enormous challenges in maintaining physiological health and psychological wellness. This is taking a toll on the basic standards of living of the people of Pakistan. More than 80% of the prevailing diseases in the country exhibit severe muscular spasticity and a high rate of mortality and morbidity. This state of affairs is primarily due to the unavailability of a vitally important muscle relaxant drug, Dantrolene, in Pakistan.

Purpose: The current study aimed to explore challenges associated with the unavailability of Dantrolene in Pakistan and propose an evidence-based recommendation to enhance its awareness and importance and encourage its import.

Methods: An extensive literature review was conducted using the PRISMA methodology to explore the challenges and issues linked with the unavailability of Dantrolene in Pakistan. The keywords used to review the literature were “malignant hyperthermia," "Dantrolene," "mortality," "morbidity," and "treatment." The articles were taken from Google Scholar, PubMed, and Sciences Direct. The relevant articles are taken from 1975 – 2022.

Results and Conclusion: The article discusses Dantrolene availability's past, present, and future aspects and its importance in Pakistan. The paper also reflected the status of the health sector in Pakistan as compared to that of other countries of the world. The hindrances related to Dantrolene's import, availability, and utility are discussed. Recommendations and future strategies for creating awareness regarding diseases exhibiting severe muscular spasticity, especially malignant hyperthermia, have been discussed. The areas that need amendment and development have also been suggested.