Islamabad., (Parliament Times) : Non-communicable diseases (NCD) are increasing rapidly in Pakistan. The number of people living with diabetes in Pakistan has increased to 33 million. Apart from this, 10 million people are pre-diabetic. If no urgent policy measures are taken, the number of people living with diabetes in Pakistan will increase to 62 million by 2045. Every day more than 2100 people are dying in Pakistan due to these non-communicable diseases. More than 40 percent of people are obese or overweight. If modifiable risk factors of these diseases are controlled, the spread of these diseases can be reduced to a great extent. Unhealthy food plays a major role in the spread of these diseases. These foods are often very high in sugar, salt or unhealthy fats. Pakistan National Heart Association has submitted a proposal to increase taxes on ultra-processed food to the Ministry of Health, FBR and Ministry of Finance. We request the Government of Pakistan to increase taxes on non-essential items like sugary drinks and other ultra-processed foods instead of taxing necessary items like fuel in the upcoming budget. This was said by experts in a session with coalition partners organized by Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH). The participants included representatives of Ministry of Health, Ministry of Finance, FBR, Ministry of Law, Justice, Industries and Production, CEO of Heart File, Dr. Saba Amjad, representatives of Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYNA), Pakistan Academy of Family Physician, Pakistan Medical Association, Prof. Dr. Basit general secretary Diabetes Association of Pakistan, Pakistan Nutrition and Dietetic Society, President of Press Club Islamabad Mr. Anwar Raza, experts, civil society representatives and media representatives. Secretary General PANAH Mr. Sanaullah Ghumman hosted the event.
Dr. Basit said that heart, diabetes, obesity and other diseases are increasing rapidly. Unhealthy food is one of the major causes of these diseases. There are some modifiable risk factors for diseases. We have to pay special attention to these factors to prevent these diseases at this time.
Anwar Raza said that the government is currently facing a financial crunch and is considering various options to generate revenue. On the other hand, NCDs are increasing at an alarming rate in Pakistan, and unhealthy diet plays a major role in the major causes of NCDs. He further said that considering the importance of the health of the nation, the government should impose an upcoming budget tax on all ultra-processed foods to reduce the increasing cases of NCDs.
Sanaullah Ghumman said that PANAH is educating people to prevent them from heart and related diseases. PANAH is also working with policy makers for formulation of policies to reduce the causes of these NCDs. PANAH believes in coalition and working with all active sections of society to make Pakistanis healthy. He said, as experts told you, ultra-processed foods are one of the leading causes of non-communicable diseases due to high amounts of sugar, salt or trans fats. Raising taxes on them is a proven strategy. More than 100 countries in the world have increased taxes on sugary drinks to reduce their use, which has had significant results. He requested the government to increase taxes on all ultra-processed products in the 2024-25 budget and spend the revenue generated on public health programs. He said that PANAH has sent a tax proposal to FBR and Finance ministry to increase taxes on these products.
Other speakers also called for increased taxes on unhealthy ultra-processed products in the upcoming budget to reduce their consumption and reduce diseases.
At the end Mr. Abdul Hafeez thanked all the participants on behalf of Pakistan National Heart Association.
