Islamabad, Aug 4, 2025: A recent health screening on Sukkur–Multan Motorway (M-5) has revealed a troubling wave of silent diseases among Pakistan’s highway drivers. Alarming numbers of motorists are unknowingly living with serious medical conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
The screening camp, conducted at the Rohri Service Area, was part of the “Discovering Hypertension” and “Discovering Diabetes” initiatives. It was a joint effort between the National Highways and Motorway Police (NHMP) and local pharmaceutical company Pharmevo, offering free health tests to both commercial and private drivers.
Out of 120 drivers tested, 30% were diagnosed with high blood pressure, while 29% had raised blood sugar levels, indicating pre-diabetic or diabetic conditions. An additional 6.7% showed high cholesterol, highlighting growing cardiovascular risks in the driver community.
What’s even more concerning is that the majority of participants were completely unaware of their health status prior to the checkup. Most had never undergone testing for these non-communicable diseases (NCDs) before.
The average age of those screened was in the mid-40s, a group considered economically vital yet often overlooked when it comes to regular medical care. This early onset of chronic illnesses could spell long-term health and productivity issues if not addressed immediately.
Read More: Pakistan Railways Announces Billions in Track & Train Upgrades
According to Pharmevo’s health officers, this screening was a wake-up call. “Many of these individuals had no idea they were at risk. Without this initiative, they may have gone years without a diagnosis,” a representative noted.
