PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Haji Ghulam Ali said here on Sunday that adopting a healthy lifestyle and consuming nutritious food could help in preventing dangerous diseases like diabetes.
“Diabetes is a silent killer. It takes time to diagnose and properly manage this disease. Diabetes is a serious health challenge that requires us to change our lifestyle. By preventing diabetes, we can also reduce the risk of other diseases,” he emphasized.
The Governor made these remarks while addressing a function organized by the Omar Diabetes Foundation at the Governor’s House on the occasion of World Diabetes Day. He expressed his full cooperation with welfare institutions dedicated to serving those in need.
Chairman of the Omar Diabetes Foundation, retired Justice Mian Mohammad Ajamal, along with Chief Executive Dr. Umar Rohab, Dr. Abrar Ahmed, Dr. Sheikh Fahad Falah, members of the Board of Directors, diabetes experts, social and political workers, and representatives of the business community were also present at the ceremony.
Function held to mark World Diabetes Day
Justice Mian Mohammad Ajamal, Dr. Abrar Ahmad, and Dr. Umar Wahab highlighted the efforts of the Omar Diabetes Foundation in Islamabad, Muzaffarabad, and Peshawar, where they have been providing services to the people.
They pointed out that Pakistan is the third-largest country in the world in terms of the prevalence of diabetes, with over 30 million diabetic patients. Almost one in every four persons in the country suffers from diabetes. The Omar Diabetes Foundation has been offering free treatment facilities to underprivileged individuals, and it has already treated over 40,000 patients.
The Governor commended the Omar Foundation for raising awareness about diabetes and providing free treatment to those in need. He emphasized the importance of research in maintaining a healthy body and mentioned that ablution and five-time daily prayers contribute to it. “To stay healthy, we must focus on consuming quality food and avoid overeating,” he added.
As part of the event, a walk was organized to raise awareness about diabetes. At the conclusion of the ceremony, doctors and staff of the foundation were presented with shields as a token of appreciation. The Governor was also honored with a guest of honor shield by the foundation.
Published in Dawn, November 13th, 2023