Islamabad, October 19, 2026 – The Europe Today: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to ensuring access to essential healthcare services, including specialised cancer treatment facilities, across Pakistan in collaboration with provincial governments and relevant institutions.
In his message on Breast Cancer Awareness Day, observed on October 19, the prime minister called for collective efforts to raise awareness about breast cancer, promote early detection and ensure timely treatment and continued care for women throughout the country.
He said breast cancer awareness, early diagnosis and access to quality medical care were matters of profound importance for protecting the health and lives of women.
The prime minister said the government had developed a comprehensive strategy to promote early detection, facilitate timely medical examinations, improve access to quality treatment and ensure continuity of care.
He emphasised that public awareness, a supportive environment and accessible healthcare services were essential to ensuring women received medical attention without delay. He particularly highlighted the needs of women in rural and underserved areas, where healthcare facilities are often limited.
Shehbaz Sharif reiterated that no Pakistani woman should be deprived of timely and quality treatment because of her geographical location or financial circumstances.
He also appreciated the contributions of Lady Health Workers, particularly those serving in remote areas, in extending healthcare services and raising awareness among women.
The prime minister said special emphasis had been placed on training Lady Health Workers to educate women about breast self-examination, recognising symptoms, seeking timely medical advice and consulting appropriate healthcare facilities without delay.
He added that healthcare personnel at primary healthcare centres in both urban and rural areas were also receiving specialised training to strengthen their capacity for the early detection of breast cancer.
Highlighting the government’s existing initiatives, the prime minister said the Federal Breast Cancer Screening Centre at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) was providing free screening, diagnostic services and medicines, while ensuring the timely referral of suspected cases for further evaluation and treatment.
He said the government was also working with public health and social protection programmes and private organisations to expand access to breast cancer screening. Efforts were under way to strengthen coordination among healthcare institutions and other relevant stakeholders.
The prime minister observed that breast cancer could have serious social and psychological consequences for patients and their families. He stressed that compassion, support and consideration for patients’ needs must remain central to the national response to the disease.
Addressing the women of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif urged them to prioritise their health and seek medical advice promptly whenever they had concerns.
“Your health is a priority for the entire nation,” he said, emphasising that healthy mothers were the foundation of healthy families and a brighter future for the country.
He called upon families, communities, the media, religious leaders, educational institutions, civil society and medical professionals to work together to break the silence and overcome the hesitation and stigma associated with breast cancer.
The prime minister stressed the importance of encouraging women to undergo timely medical examinations and seek treatment without fear or concern about social attitudes.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to taking all possible measures to protect women’s health and improve access to timely, affordable and quality healthcare throughout Pakistan.
