ISLAMABAD, (Parliament Times) :Federal Minister Zartaj Gul assures access to facts regarding non-implementation of Health Levy Bill, Public health is PTI government’s priority: Zartaj Gul Tobacco mafia targets young boys as well as our young girls Sugar drinks and tobacco production up 21.28% from last year, PBS reports Urges Government to Take Practical Steps to Implement Health Levy Bill PANAH
Federal Minister for Environment and Climate Change Zartaj Gul said that PTI is a democratic party elected by the people, the health of the people is our priority. The health levy bill, which was passed by the federal cabinet two years ago, has been delayed for a number of reasons. Those responsible will be questioned, the voice of PANAH will be raised at all levels, so that the health of the people can be protected.
This was stated by Federal Minister for Environment and Climate Change and (PANAH) Ambassador Zartaj Gul during a meeting with General Secretary of Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) Sanaullah Ghumman at his office here yesterday. Speaking on the occasion, Sanaullah Ghumman, General Secretary, Panah, said that smoking and sugary drinks are a major cause of various diseases besides heart disease. The mafia is targeting our young girls as well as young boys, tobacco is the first step towards launching any kind of drug. Sanaullah Ghumman said that yoy are the ambassador of PANAH and appreciated the pro-people initiatives of the government and Federal Minister Zartaj Gul.
According to the WHO, tobacco kills half of its consumers. Sugar has been declared a white poison. Our position on the Health Levy Bill is not without reason. According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS), production of sugary drinks and tobacco increased by 21.28% over the previous year. When the issue of implementation of the Health Levy Bill reached the Federal Ombudsman, the FBR took the position that there was no objection to the Health Levy Bill, but further obstacles were being put in the way of the implementation of the Health Levy Bill. The cabinet comes, so before that it goes through all the stages.
Federal Minister Zartaj Gul appreciated the PANAH efforts and said that the government has taken valuable steps to provide the best healthcare facilities to the people. The health risks mentioned by the PANAH will be investigated, as are the reasons for delaying the passage of a bill by the Cabinet. Access to facts has been the hallmark of the PTI government, where mistakes will be rectified, and those who make mistakes will be punished. This issue will also be discussed in the Assembly.