KARACHI:
Gilgit-Baltistan (G-B) is grappling with the influx of substandard food items such as cooking oil, flour, biscuits, chips and other products harmful to health. These counterfeit goods are contributing to serious diseases such as heart attacks, high blood pressure and diabetes. The consumption of harmful chips and other low-quality snacks has claimed the lives of many children.
There have been recent reports of plastic eggs being traded allegedly imported from China. Regrettably, the G-B administration has yet to take notice of this grave situation.
Urgent and assertive measures are required to immediately halt the circulation of these harmful products. The statement made by a senior health official underscores the gravity of the situation.
In addition to food items, fake medicines are also being supplied to GB and these are being sold at exorbitant prices in the market. Health authorities and district administration must promptly take steps to curb this alarming trend.
Addressing these issues is not only vital for the well-being of the residents but also critical for safeguarding public health and maintaining the integrity of the region’s food and healthcare systems.
Shakir H Shamim
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2023.
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.
