The government has planned a Rs6.8 billion nationwide project to screen citizens for diabetes as cases continue to rise.
Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal announced the initiative during an event in Islamabad on Tuesday. He said authorities would launch the project from the federal capital before expanding it to the provinces.
Moreover, the government will focus on disease prevention and public awareness. The minister stressed that Pakistan needs stronger and coordinated efforts to reduce the growing diabetes burden.
Minister Calls for Stronger Diabetes Prevention
Mustafa Kamal expressed concern over the high incidence of diabetes across Pakistan. Therefore, he called for greater public awareness and preventive measures to control the disease.
The proposed screening programme will help authorities identify people at risk and encourage earlier intervention. Meanwhile, awareness campaigns can help citizens understand the importance of healthy lifestyles and regular medical screening.
The government plans to expand the initiative nationwide after its initial launch in Islamabad.
Government Accelerates Health Sector Reforms
The diabetes initiative comes as the government increases its focus on healthcare development.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to complete the first phase of the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre by March next year.
Additionally, the prime minister has called for faster implementation of health sector reforms. He issued the directives while reviewing progress on the Jinnah Medical Complex and the Phase-II expansion of the Federal Government Polyclinic.
The government has also reaffirmed that quality healthcare remains a key priority. Consequently, the new diabetes screening programme could become an important part of broader efforts to improve preventive healthcare across Pakistan.
