Islamabad - Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, Prof Ahsan Iqbal has announced that the government will establish a state-of-the-art cancer hospital soon in the federal capital, adding that unfortunately Pakistan is among those countries where breast cancer is spreading rapidly. In this regard, the federal government wants to make Islamabad a role model for rest of the country. He made these remarks, while addressing an awareness seminar on breast cancer and on the inauguration of the Federal Breast Cancer Screening Centre established at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad.
He maintained, “Vision 2025 is a framework for future development of the country that provides a roadmap for developed and progressive Pakistan. Furthermore, it aimed to bring the country at par with rest of the developing world. Along with other challenges, our civil sector is facing health as one of the major concerns. Vision 20125 addresses this very critical challenge and suggests for a comprehensive strategy at all level in the government set up.” The issue of breast cancer is not only related to any individual woman but affects whole family and society, said the federal minister. He emphasised that worldwide breast cancer poses a major health risk for women. “There is a strong need to organise awareness campaign sessions in the educational institutes on mass level as well as for women residing in rural areas,” said Iqbal. He also urged the media to highlight the issue on priority basis. Women’s health is a major concern for the government and utmost efforts are being carried to improve their health conditions for secure future, he further said.