Tax or treat?

The burden of responsibility for Pakistan's deteriorating healthcare landscape primarily belongs to government officials who are tasked with managing this crisis. And while that is true, a portion of the blame is also attributed to the citizens. Consequently, a concoction of increasingly sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy food habits, misplaced taxes, administrative neglect and a focus on treatment over prevention has landed the children of Pakistan in an immensely vulnerable position.

Only a few days ago, health professionals and civil society organisations were lobbying for a 40 per cent tax on all sweetened beverages. The very next day, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal revealed that nearly 10 million Pakistani children between five and 15 years of age are currently living with diabetes - putting into perspective the necessity of such taxes.

The sick children living with chronic health conditions are not at fault here. They are simply surrendering to the naivety of their childhood by increasing screentime, reducing physical activity, eating junk food and drinking readily available soft drinks, juices and limcas. But what they're too young to understand is that they're gradually embedding themselves in a system afflicted by a shortage of insulin and blood glucose test strips. It is a system overwhelmed with multiplying patients and a demanding budget.

There are non-profit organisations like 'Meethi Zindagi' supporting over 1,200 children in 140 cities across Pakistan via an Insulin Support Programme. But regional conflicts significantly threaten their supply, highlighting the need to switch from treatment to prevention.

Both state and citizens must work together to face this epidemic. Children with diabetic family members must be tested for diabetic predisposition at an early age. Afterwards, it is the responsibility of the government and parents to encourage and support a healthy lifestyle for children, complete with nutrition and movement. Many such diseases are preventable, and many patients wish they had the chance to prevent it.