Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has highlighted the importance of public awareness concerning cancer diagnosis and treatment, calling it critical for saving lives.
In her message on World Cancer Day, she voiced concern over Pakistan’s high cancer-related death rate, stressing that the disease is treatable and can often be prevented through proper precautions.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized the collective responsibility in cancer prevention, advice individuals at all levels to donate to the cause. Reflecting on her personal experience, she shared the deep grief of losing her mother to cancer, a loss she can never forget.
She announced that Pakistan’s first government-run cancer hospital, the Nawaz Sharif Cancer Hospital, is currently under construction in Lahore and will provide free treatment to patients at all stages of the disease.
Recognizing the financial drain of cancer treatment, she assured that the state would support those in need. She also stressed the role of smoking, drug use, and environmental pollution in cancer development, stressing the need for larger public awareness.
The Chief Minister expressed her ambition to establish free cancer treatment facilities in every district, ensuring available healthcare for all.
