ISLAMABAD, Nov 13 (Alliance News): National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Friday called for greater public awareness, early diagnosis and affordable healthcare services to address the growing burden of diabetes, describing the disease as a serious public health challenge affecting individuals, families and society.
In his message on the occasion of World Diabetes Day, he said the global theme for 2026, “Early Action on Diabetes,” highlighted the importance of timely diagnosis, access to quality healthcare and effective preventive measures.
He stressed that raising public awareness, strengthening early screening and ensuring affordable and accessible treatment were essential to preventing diabetes-related complications and reducing its growing impact on society.
Ayaz Sadiq observed that unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity and other lifestyle-related factors could increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. He urged citizens to adopt balanced diets, engage in regular physical exercise and incorporate healthier habits into their daily routines.
The speaker also encouraged people to undergo regular medical check-ups and seek professional advice without delay if they experienced possible symptoms or had risk factors associated with diabetes.
Emphasizing the importance of timely intervention, he said early diagnosis and appropriate medical care could help prevent or delay complications, enabling people living with diabetes to lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.
He added that effective diabetes management required sustained access to healthcare facilities, essential medicines, professional medical guidance and support for maintaining healthy lifestyles.
Calling for stronger institutional efforts, Ayaz Sadiq urged healthcare institutions and relevant public-sector organizations to enhance diabetes prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatment services, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
He also emphasized the need to expand public awareness campaigns through healthcare facilities, educational institutions, community networks and the media to educate citizens about the warning signs, risk factors, preventive measures and importance of early medical intervention.
The speaker said a healthy population was the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation, adding that ensuring access to quality healthcare for every citizen remained an important responsibility of the state.
He reaffirmed that Parliament would continue playing its role through legislation and oversight to protect public health, strengthen disease prevention and improve access to quality healthcare services.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, in his message on World Diabetes Day, stressed that addressing the growing threat of diabetes required greater attention to prevention, early diagnosis and continuous medical monitoring.
He said encouraging citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles must go hand in hand with ensuring that people living with diabetes had timely and affordable access to treatment, essential medicines and professional medical advice.
Mustafa Shah also highlighted the importance of promoting diabetes awareness through educational institutions, healthcare centres and the media, enabling citizens to better understand the risks associated with the disease, preventive measures and the significance of timely diagnosis and treatment.
