Islamabad, October 18,2026: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding access to breast cancer awareness, early detection, timely treatment and quality healthcare for women across Pakistan, particularly those living in rural and underprivileged areas.
In his message on Breast Cancer Awareness Day, observed on October 19, the prime minister said breast cancer awareness, early diagnosis and continued medical care were matters of profound importance for every nation concerned about the health and lives of its women.
He said the government had developed a comprehensive strategy to promote early detection, encourage timely medical examinations, facilitate access to quality treatment and ensure continuity of care throughout the country.
The federal government, in collaboration with provincial governments and relevant institutions, was working to improve the availability of essential healthcare services, including specialised cancer treatment facilities, he added.
The prime minister stressed that women should not be deprived of timely and quality treatment because of their geographical location or financial circumstances. He said particular attention was being given to women in remote and underserved areas, where access to healthcare facilities often remained limited.
Paying tribute to Lady Health Workers, Shehbaz Sharif said their services were instrumental in extending healthcare to women in remote communities. He highlighted government initiatives to train them to educate women about breast self-examination, recognise symptoms, seek timely medical advice and approach 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 early breast cancer detection.
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 facilitating timely referrals 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 screening services and improve coordination among healthcare institutions and other stakeholders.
Highlighting the social and psychological impact of breast cancer on patients and their families, Shehbaz Sharif called for compassion, support and greater understanding of the challenges faced by those affected by the disease.
“My message to every daughter of Pakistan is: your health is a priority for the entire nation,” the prime minister said, urging women with health concerns to seek medical advice without delay. He described healthy mothers as the foundation of healthy families and a brighter national future.
He also called on families, communities, media organisations, religious leaders, educational institutions, civil society and medical professionals to help break the silence and overcome the stigma and hesitation associated with breast cancer.
The prime minister urged all stakeholders to ensure that awareness reached every household and that women felt confident seeking medical examinations and treatment without fear of social judgment.
Reaffirming the government’s resolve, he said all possible measures would continue to be taken to protect women’s health and improve their access to timely, affordable and quality healthcare.
