ISLAMABAD, Feb 3: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting cancer patients and enhancing efforts to alleviate the disease’s burden on World Cancer Day.
In his message, the Prime Minister stated that Pakistan stands with the global community in solidarity with those affected by cancer, dedicating renewed efforts to combat the disease. He highlighted that the fight against cancer is not only a medical challenge but also a shared national responsibility requiring compassion, courage, and collective action.
The Prime Minister noted that over the past year, policy reforms and expanded partnerships have strengthened the national response to cancer, making it more effective and coordinated. Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors have led to significant progress in providing life-saving treatments to cancer patients from underprivileged backgrounds, reducing both financial and geographical barriers to care.
PM Shehbaz Sharif emphasized that the government is devoted to developing a comprehensive national cancer prevention strategy to ensure the sustainable and effective utilization of the collective capacity to address the disease. The government is determined to advance integrated measures at national and provincial levels, focussing on vulnerable and marginalized populations.
He stressed that investment in healthcare infrastructure, research, and evidence-based decision-making remains central to the government’s strategy. Prevention plays a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of cancer, and he underscored the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and public awareness. Community engagement, civil society, private sector participation, and media involvement are indispensable in this endeavor.
On World Cancer Day, the Prime Minister urged stakeholders at individual, social, and public levels to unite in the mission of protecting public health against cancer. He affirmed that coordinated efforts and cooperation between the government and the private sector can ensure timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and compassionate care for cancer patients.
PM Sharif concluded by expressing confidence that sincere collaboration and collective efforts would secure a healthier and stronger Pakistan for future generations.
