ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said the federal government has allocated Rs6.8 billion for the Prime Minister’s Programme for Prevention and Control of Diabetes Mellitus to strengthen screening, early diagnosis and treatment facilities across the country.
In his message on World Diabetes Day, being observed on November 14, the prime minister said diabetes was emerging as a serious public health concern in Pakistan, requiring coordinated efforts, timely medical intervention and greater public awareness.
He said this year’s World Diabetes Day theme, ‘Early Action on Diabetes,’ highlighted the importance of timely screening and medical intervention to prevent complications associated with the disease and safeguard human lives.
The prime minister stressed that early screening and timely diagnosis were essential to identifying individuals at risk and preventing the onset or progression of diabetes.
He said the government had developed a comprehensive programme to address the growing prevalence of diabetes, with a focus on expanding screening coverage, improving primary healthcare services and enhancing access to diagnosis and treatment.
Shehbaz Sharif said promoting healthy lifestyles, raising public awareness and strengthening coordination between the federal and provincial governments were also among the priorities to ensure effective implementation of the initiative.
Urging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles, he emphasised the importance of regular physical exercise, a balanced and nutritious diet, routine medical check-ups and timely consultation with qualified healthcare professionals.
The prime minister said reducing the prevalence of diabetes required collective responsibility, effective policies, greater public awareness and sustained investment in healthcare services.
He called for renewed collective efforts to secure a healthier, stronger and prosperous future for Pakistan.