Increased tax on sugary drinks proposed

Development is not possible without a healthy society as non-communicable diseases are not only killing Pakistanis every day but also posing a significant burden on the national economy, said Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) General Secretary and Director Operations Sanaullah Ghumman.

He was speaking at a seminar held in connection with ‘World Health Day’ on Sunday.

Ghumman said, "Sugary drinks are a big threat to our health. We have to think about how we can protect our children and adult population from these diseases."

Consumption of sugar sweetened beverages increases the risk of obesity, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, stomach and liver diseases, he informed the audience. He said, “The consumption of sugary drinks can play a havoc with your health and even more dangerous if consumed during Ramzan.”

Health Services Academy Vice Chancellor Dr Shehzad Ali Khan also attended as special guest and said, “Developed countries pay special attention to healthy diet. If we want development, we have to pay special attention to our diet.

He said, ”We must show our determination to take all possible measures to reduce non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart diseases, and liver and kidney diseases. Sugary drinks are among the major reasons for these diseases and we should take all possible measures to reduce their consumption.”

A World Bank study recommended a progressive tax increase on sugary drinks in Pakistan. Raising the tax on sugary drinks would reduce their consumption by 50 per cent. It would also help reduce health issues, which will also save the national health sector budget.

Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI) Food Policy Programme Consultant Munawar Hussain, Nutrition and National Fortification Alliance at Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and Coordination National Coordinator Dr Khawaja Masuood Ahmed, Parliamentary Secretary Religious Affairs MNA Aftab Jahangir, Project Development Parliamentary Officer Mian Tayyab Majeed and a large number of civil society and media representatives were present at the event.

The participants in the session said that, “Pakistan is already suffering from problems. Our nation cannot afford any more difficulties.”

They said credible research around the world has shown that taxing sugary drinks is an evidence-based strategy to reduce its consumption and associated illnesses. Immediate implementation of the health contribution bill and increasing federal excise duty on sugary drinks must be considered by the Ministry of Finance and Federal Board of Revenue.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 11^th, 2022.