PESHAWAR: Former cricketer Waseem Akram has called upon the people to adopt healthy lifestyle to stay safe from diabetes, which is preventable through balanced diet, exercise and treatment on the advice of physicians.

Speaking at the launching of mobile diabetes clinic at Chief Minister’s House here on Tuesday, the legendary fast bowler said that he had been living normal life despite having diabetes for the last 23 years.

He appreciated the provincial government for free provision of insulin and asked other provinces to follow the suit.

Mobile clinic launched for diagnosis of diabetes in far flung areas

Chief Minister Mahmood Khan formally inaugurated the diabetic mobile clinic under the “D-talk and Insulin for Life Programme” for diagnosis, screening and treatment of diabetic patients throughout the province.

He said that the clinic was first of its kind in the country. It has been established in collaboration with Novo Nordisk, a multinational pharmaceutical company, which will help in diagnosis of diabetes, screening and its types in far flung areas of the province.

The chief minister said that the programme was also aimed at creating awareness regarding the disease among people. The mobile clinic will also help in screening of eyes and kidney damage of diabetic patients at an early stage to prevent blindness and amputations.

The chief minister said that about seven million people were suffering from diabetes of total 40 million population of the province.

The PTI-led led provincial government during its previous tenure had launched the “D-talk and Insulin for Life Programme”.

Mr Khan stated that 16,000 patients were currently being provided free insulin in 15 districts of the province.

He added that provincial health budget was increased by 200 per cent to ensure provision of uniform healthcare facilities to prople throughout the province.

“The previous healthcare system of the province could not deliver as per the demands of people. People have elected us to address their basic issues and ensure provision of basic human rights. Keeping in view this scenario, reforms in health sector are paramount,” said the chief minister.

He said that health sector was not being privatised under the recently passed laws.

The ceremony was attended by Minister for Health Dr Hisham Inamullah, Danish Ambassador Rolf Holmboe and others.

Published in Dawn, October 9th, 2019