ISLAMABAD, Oct. 19 (Xinhua) -- Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday called for greater breast cancer awareness and improved healthcare for women, urging families and communities to encourage early detection and timely treatment.
In a message marking Breast Cancer Awareness Day, Sharif said the government was committed to ensuring that women across the country, particularly those in rural and underprivileged areas, had access to affordable and quality screening, treatment and continued care.
He said the federal government was working with provincial governments and relevant institutions to expand healthcare services, stressing that no woman should be denied timely treatment because of her geographical location or financial circumstances.
The prime minister highlighted the role of Lady Health Workers in educating women about breast self-examination, recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice without delay. Healthcare personnel at primary healthcare centers were also receiving specialized training to strengthen early detection, he added.
Sharif said the Federal Breast Cancer Screening Center at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences was providing free screening, diagnostic services and medicines, while referring suspected cases for further evaluation and treatment.
He urged families, communities, media organizations, religious leaders, educational institutions and medical professionals to help break the silence and overcome the stigma associated with breast cancer, encouraging women to seek medical examinations and treatment without hesitation.
Emphasizing the importance of women's health and well-being, Sharif reaffirmed the government's commitment to expanding access to timely, affordable and quality healthcare, saying awareness and a supportive environment were essential to protecting women's lives and dignity. ■
