Govt committed to reduce diabetes burden: Saira

ISLAMABAD, Apr 27 (APP):Minister for National Health Services Regulations and Coordination, Saira Afzal Tarar on Friday said that the government was committed to reducing the burden of diabetes as one of four priority non-communicable diseases (NCDs) under the Universal Health Coverage.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of diabetes clinic, the minister said that diabetes is on the rise – both globally and at national level and the government was striving to address this growing health challenge along with the global community.
She said that it is no longer a disease of predominantly rich as the prevalence of diabetes is steadily increasing among poor also. She said when diabetes is uncontrolled, it has dire consequences for health and well-being.
In addition, diabetes and its complications impact harshly on the economy of household and that of the country. People with diabetes who depend on life-saving insulin pay the ultimate price as catastrophic health expenditure, especially when services are lacking and complications of diabetes affect them at an early age.
She said that achieving universal health coverage is also the outcome of government’s National Health Vision 2025, endorsed by the Prime Minister in 2016.
The minister said that as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Member States have set an ambitious target to reduce premature mortality from NCDs – including diabetes – by one third, achieve universal health coverage and provide access to affordable
essential medicines.
She said in Pakistan, cardio-vascular diseases have become the second top burden of diseases and diabetes is one of the largest factors for underlying cardio-vascular diseases.
With gradual increase of life expectancy in the country and changes in life styles, there are more and more people living with diabetes, which can result in life-changing complications.
The minister said that the prevalence of diabetes in Pakistan is estimated around 10 per cent among adult population in Pakistan, which is very high and unacceptable.
More evidence is required to understand the disease epidemiology in Pakistan, as the figures are alarming and underscore the urgent need for the government and private sector to work together
on preventive measures and to manage the illness and its complications.
The minister said that both government and the private sector should promote affordable and equitable access for all people with diabetes or at risk of diabetes to the essential medicines and technologies, self-management, education and information they require to achieve optimal diabetes outcomes.
She said that diabetes impacts not only individuals but also families and society. “Our policies should be driven towards prevention and care along with treatment procedures. We should also focus
to initiate awareness campaigns in schools and colleges to sensitize our youth about healthy lifestyle and preventing diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.”
She said that public private partnership has proved to be very beneficial in many health initiatives.
“Our Ministry in partnership with private sector is working on the National Diabetes Action Plan to curb the menace of diabetes.”
She urged that prevention strategies may be included in the action plan focusing on to avoid being overweight or obese, eat healthy, remain physically active, quit smoking and go for regular medical checkups.