Pakistan is planning a Rs6.8 billion nationwide project to screen citizens for diabetes as the government steps up efforts to tackle the growing prevalence of the disease.
Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal said the initiative will focus on early screening, prevention and public awareness. He was speaking at an event in Islamabad on Tuesday, according to an official press release.
The project will initially be launched in the federal capital before being expanded to the provinces, the minister said.
Kamal expressed concern over the rising number of diabetes cases in Pakistan and stressed the need for a stronger focus on prevention. He also called for wider awareness campaigns to help people understand the risks linked to the disease and the importance of early detection.
The planned screening programme comes as the government increases its focus on improving healthcare services and advancing reforms in the health sector.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif recently directed authorities to speed up work on major health projects, including the Jinnah Medical Complex and Research Centre in Islamabad. He ordered that the first phase of the facility be completed by March next year.
The prime minister has also stressed the need to accelerate health sector reforms. He gave the directives while chairing a review meeting on the Jinnah Medical Complex and the Phase-II expansion of the Federal Government Polyclinic.
The diabetes screening project is aimed at shifting some of the focus towards prevention and early detection, rather than treating the disease only after it develops.
With diabetes becoming a growing public health concern, the government sees nationwide screening and greater awareness as key tools to identify people at risk and encourage earlier action.
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