During a discussion panel at the World Economic Forum’s special meeting in Riyadh, the Prime Minister shared his experiences and views on global health issues.
He recounted his personal battle with cancer, highlighting the financial burden of treatment and the lack of accessibility for many in his country. Upon returning to Pakistan, he prioritized healthcare, establishing specialized hospitals for kidney, liver, and cancer patients.
He stated the glaring disparities in global health, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, and stressed the impact of climate change, particularly on countries like Pakistan that contribute minimally to emissions but suffer disproportionately from its effects.
Reflecting on his tenure as Punjab’s Chief Minister, he discussed initiatives to combat diseases like dengue and polio, acknowledging the support received from organizations like the Bill Gates Foundation. Despite facing challenges such as natural disasters, he expressed optimism about overcoming obstacles in healthcare delivery.
His visit to Saudi Arabia, at the invitation of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and WEF Executive Chairman Klaus Schwab, acknowledges the importance of international cooperation in addressing these pressing issues.
