ISLAMABAD (Special Correspondent) – Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday directed the formulation of a comprehensive and effective strategy to prevent the rising prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan. The prime minister emphasized that a clear policy and actionable planning, aligned with national health priorities, are essential to curbing the disease, while directing relevant institutions to develop a coordinated framework focusing on research, public awareness, and preventive measures.

Strategic Directive for Health Authorities

The prime minister issued these directives during a meeting with a delegation of international and national medical experts specializing in endocrinology and diabetes treatment. The delegation, which is visiting Pakistan to participate in an endocrinology seminar, was led by the President of the International Society of Endocrinology, Dr. Syed Abbas Raza. The meeting included key government officials, such as Ministers Ahad Khan Cheema and Syed Mustafa Kamal, Minister of State for Health Dr. Malik Mukhtar Bharath, and other senior officials, according to the PM Office Media Wing.

Focus on Prevention and Healthy Lifestyles

Highlighting the severity of the health challenge, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif remarked that while treatment remains critical, special attention must be placed on disease prevention. He instructed authorities to implement effective measures to promote healthy lifestyles among the youth, specifically targeting students in colleges and universities. The initiative mirrors ongoing efforts by the government to align with international standards in healthcare delivery, much like recent high-level engagements to bolster national infrastructure, such as Pakistan, UK explore investment partnership to boost trade and business cooperation, demonstrating a broader commitment to sustainable national development.

Public Awareness and Global Cooperation

The prime minister underscored the necessity of nationwide awareness campaigns regarding balanced diets, regular physical activity, and healthy daily routines. He advocated for the widespread dissemination of information on early diagnosis and disease prevention through television, radio, digital platforms, and other media channels. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of promoting regional and international cooperation, urging authorities to leverage global expertise, research, and best practices to strengthen domestic prevention efforts. This focus on global collaboration echoes other significant policy initiatives, such as Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi Strengthens Security Ties with Türkiye, illustrating the government’s pivot toward international partnerships to resolve domestic challenges.

Expert Recognition of Pakistan’s Initiatives

Members of the medical delegation praised Pakistan’s recent initiatives and policy implementation concerning the prevention of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. They expressed their commitment to supporting future campaigns and observed that Pakistani medical experts continue to make significant contributions to the field of endocrinology worldwide. As the country aligns its health policies with international benchmarks, experts believe the integration of global knowledge, as seen in other sectors like Finance Minister Aurangzeb Hosts Dutch Business Delegation to Boost Investment, will play a pivotal role in achieving long-term public health success.