PM Shehbaz Reaffirms Commitment to Expanding Breast Cancer Screening and Treatment Facilities Nationwide
Islamabad, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring access to essential healthcare services, including specialised cancer treatment facilities, across the country in collaboration with provincial governments and relevant institutions.
In his message on Breast Cancer Awareness Day, observed on October 19, the prime minister said Pakistan was joining the international community in raising a collective voice to address serious health challenges facing women, particularly breast cancer.
He emphasised that awareness, early detection, timely treatment and continuous medical care were matters of profound importance for every nation concerned about the health and well-being of its women.
The prime minister said the government had developed a comprehensive strategy to promote early detection, facilitate timely medical examinations, improve access to quality treatment and ensure continuity of care throughout the country.
He stressed that public awareness, a supportive environment and accessible healthcare services were essential to ensuring that women received necessary medical attention without delay.
Highlighting the challenges faced by women in rural and underprivileged areas, he said particular attention must be given to communities where access to healthcare facilities remained limited. He reaffirmed that no Pakistani woman should be deprived of timely and quality treatment because of her geographical location or financial circumstances.
The prime minister acknowledged the vital role of Lady Health Workers in extending healthcare services to women in remote areas, appreciating their dedicated efforts and invaluable contributions.
He said special emphasis had been placed on training Lady Health Workers to educate women about breast self-examination, recognising symptoms, seeking timely medical advice and consulting appropriate healthcare facilities without delay.
He added that healthcare personnel working at primary healthcare centres in both urban and rural areas were also receiving specialised training to strengthen their capacity for the early detection of breast cancer.
The prime minister highlighted the role of the Federal Breast Cancer Screening Centre established at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), which provides free screening, diagnostic services and medicines, while ensuring the timely referral of suspected cases for further evaluation and treatment.
He said the government was also working through public health and social protection programmes, in collaboration with private organisations, to expand access to breast cancer screening and strengthen coordination among healthcare institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
Describing breast cancer as a disease that could profoundly affect the social and psychological well-being of patients and their families, the prime minister stressed the need for compassion, understanding and a supportive environment for those affected.
Addressing the women of Pakistan, he said their health remained a national priority and urged them to seek medical advice promptly whenever they had concerns about their health.
“Healthy mothers are the foundation of healthy families and a brighter future for our nation,” he said.
The prime minister also called upon families, communities, the media, religious leaders, educational institutions, civil society organisations and medical professionals to work collectively to break the silence and overcome the hesitation and stigma associated with breast cancer.
He urged all stakeholders to encourage women to undergo timely medical examinations and seek treatment without fear or apprehension about social attitudes.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting women’s health, the prime minister said every possible measure would continue to be taken to ensure that awareness reached every household and that women had the knowledge, confidence and support needed to access timely, affordable and quality healthcare.
