Sargodha, (PR) : To mark World Sight Day 2025, Sightsavers, in collaboration with COAV and the Government of Punjab, has launched the Pakistan Inclusive Eye Health (PIEH) Project in District Sargodha. The initiative aims to
strengthen inclusive eye health services at the primary level,
ensuring equitable access to quality eye care for all particularly for
marginalized groups and persons with disabilities.
The event brought together distinguished guests, including Mr. Khawaja
Imran Nazir, Provincial Minister for Health & Population; Dr. Asad
Aslam Khan, Provincial Coordinator for Blindness Control Program; Dr.
Muhammad Moin, Principal COAVS and Pro-Vice Chancellor KEMU; Ms.
Munazza Gillani, Country Director – Pakistan & Middle East,
Sightsavers; along with senior representatives from the Health
Department, CEOs Health, CSOs, journalists, and community volunteers.
Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Khawaja Imran Nazir, Provincial Minister
for Health & Population, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to
equitable health care, and said, “Let us ensure that no child is
deprived of education, no adult of livelihood, and no elderly person
of independence simply because of a lack of access to eye care. The
Health & Population Department, Punjab, is committed to extending
every possible support to strengthen primary-level services and
enhance access to eye care across the province.”
Dr. Muhammad Moin, Principal COAVS and Pro-Vice Chancellor KEMU,
emphasized the project’s transformative potential emphasized, “Guided
by the Chief Minister Punjab’s vision and supported by Health Minister
Khawaja Imran Nazir, the PIEH project will create a lasting social
impact by providing equitable access to quality eye care for millions.
We value our collaboration with Sightsavers to strengthen eye care
services within the primary health system in Punjab.”
Highlighting the global relevance of the day, Ms. Munazza Gillani,
Director Pakistan & Middle East, Sightsavers, stated that “Today, we
unite to emphasize the importance of eye health and vision care. With
millions worldwide suffering from preventable vision impairment, it is
vital to make eye care accessible to all. Through partnerships like
the PIEH Project, we move closer to achieving inclusive and equitable
health systems.”
Professor Asad Aslam Khan, Provincial Coordinator for the Blindness
Control Program, also commended the Government of Punjab and
Sightsavers for their continued efforts toward strengthening eye
health systems and supporting inclusive service delivery.
The Pakistan Inclusive Eye Health Project, supported by Sightsavers
and implemented by COAVS, CHIP, and LRBT, focuses on building the
capacity of healthcare workers, improving accessibility and quality of
eye care services at the primary level, and promoting community
engagement to increase awareness and utilization of services.