ISLAMABAD, (Parliament Times) : Dr. Noshin Hamid, Parliamentary Secretary, Federal Department of Health, Pakistan, said that said that the health of the people is one of the top priorities of the government. To address health issues, Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) are not our priority. Implementing the Health Levy Bill is an effective way to reduce its use, so that adults, especially children, are protected from developing non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
She was speaking on the occasion of the launching report of the results of a public survey on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) by the joint efforts of Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), Department of Health, PHRC and Food Policy Program GHAI.Accompanying Pran on the occasion were PANAH President Maj Gen (retd) Masood-ur-Rehman Kayani, PANAH General Secretary Sana Ullah Ghumman, Consultant Food Policy Program (GHAI) Munawar Hussain, Director Nutrition Program Dr Basir Khan Achakzai, Additional Secretary Health Department Dr Ata-ur-Rehman, Coordinator Program Masood Ahmed, Director Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Dr. Samra Mazhar, Focal Person National Sun Nazir Ahmed,MNA Darshan Punchi , Pmln PP 16 president Samina Shoaib, and others participated. The event started with recitation from Holy Quran.
Maj. Gen. (retd) Masood-ur-Rehman Kayani, President, Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH), thanked all the participants and said that since simple food has ceased to be part of our daily routine, we are prone to more diseases. If you want to stay healthy Eat, make daily walks and exercise your routine.
Dr. Noshin Hamid, Parliamentary Secretary, Federal Department of Health, Pakistan, said that 60 to 70 percent of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a cause of concern, one of the main reasons being Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) .It is very important to note that whenever the price of something goes up, its consumption will go down. We have limited resources. The current government has a vision to solve the problems of the people on priority basis in the forthcoming budget. Implementing a health levy to keep Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) away from adults, especially children, will prove ineffective. I commend PANAH and others for conducting effective and transparent polling.
Dr. Basir Khan Achakzai, Director, Nutrition Program, said that for a healthy mind, the body must be made healthy. The development or prosperity of any country depends on its economy. Our financial resources should be spent on development projects and not on diseases. Avoid Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) in your life to avoid poisoning, so that your money can be spent on healthy and prosperous plans.
A representative of the Pakistan Health Research Council (PHRC) Dr Arif said that a total of 6,824 people aged 18 and above from across the country, including the capital Islamabad, expressed their views on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) .The survey found that 6 in 10 Pakistani households have at least 1 person suffering from obesity and NCDs including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diesesand hypertension. obesity and overweight is a major concern amoung Pakistani residents .More than 4 out of every 5 adults are concerned about obesity.More than 4 out of every 5 adults believe that SSBs are a major contributor to obesity,and believe that too much sugar can cause serious health problems in Pakisran.More than 8 out of 10 of Pakistani adults support the Government taking steps to discourage consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB).Approximately 78% of Pakistani adults support increasing Taxes on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) to reduce obesity and non-communicable diseases (NCDs) .He said that 85% of the people supported the increase in revenue and spent it only on health related projects.
Munawar Hussain, Consultant Food Policy Program (GHAI), said that Rs 210 billion is spent on obesity in the United States, while Pakistan is also under financial burden due to diseases caused by obesity. Expenditure is the first effective way to reduce SSB consumption.
Dr. Khawaja Masood Ahmad, Coordinator, National Nutrition Program, said that the rate of obesity among five-year-old children has doubled in the last seven years.
PANAH General Secretary Sana Ullah Ghumman said that the opinion of the people of Pakistan is respectable for all of us, no institution can develop without it, the data obtained from the survey on sweet drinks are alarming, our people are aware. Adults discouraged consumption of sugary and sweetened beverages (SSBs) to prevent obesity and non-communicable diseases such as heart attack, diabetes, cancer, stomach and liver.
Participants appealed to Policymakers that should immediately act on the following measures to reduce morbidity and mortality related to high consumption of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) ,Pass and implement the Health Levy Bill Approved by cabinet in 2019 and yet to be passed by Parliament ,carbonated beverages levied at Rs 1/250 ml .Increase the Federal Excise Duty (FED) on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) from 11.5% to at least 20 % and expand the defination of Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSB) to include Sugary Drinks beyond carbonoted beverages (e.g jiices,flavoured milks,energy drinks ,etc.)
