ISLAMABAD (ABC): Federal Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan bans serving of sugary products in Health Ministry, advisory being issued to other ministries to follow suit.
The Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination in joint collaboration with PANAH and other civil society organization organized a national seminar to address the issues of excessive use of sugary drinks and their fatal impact on human health. Federal Minister, Ministry of NHSR&C, the Director General Health chaired the seminar and senior authorizes of other ministries and representatives of civil society. Dr. Nadeem Jan, Federal Minister stated that we committed to strengthen all initiatives to address health hazards associated with sweetened beverages. He added that our commitment to addressing Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) is deeply embedded in our National Health Vision, which led to the development of the NCDs Action Framework. Aligned with global targets, this framework outlines our strategic actions to tackle current challenges. Recognizing the impact of sweetened beverages on public health, Ministry of NHSR&C is working diligently to regulate trans fatty acids to no more than 2 percent of the total fats in all foods. Dr. Jan added that through collaboration with the Pakistan Standards and Quality Control Authority, we aim to enforce front-of-pack nutrition labeling and warning signs on foods high in sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Ministry’s partnership with the Federal Board of Revenue involves increasing excise taxes on ultra-processed foods, particularly sugary drinks. This fiscal measure is a vital step to discourage the consumption of unhealthy products and promote better dietary choices. Minister said that we are committed to ensuring a healthy diet in public procurements and official meetings, setting an example for the entire nation. In a landmark move to set an example the Federal Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan clamped a ban on serving of sugary products in his Ministry whereas all other Ministries will be issued an advisory to impose a similar ban. The Minister made thd announcement while chairing a National Seminar to address the excessive use of sugary drinks and their fatal impact on Human Health here today.
Gen. Masud ur Rehman Kiani, President at Pakistan National Heart Association said that government shall focus on preventive health which is the most effective way to combat NCDs. Unhealthy diet is among the major risk factors to many NCDs like heart diseases, diabetes, stroke, liver and kidney diseases. Sweet drinks and ultra-processed foods are among the major unhealthy diets that we are consuming excessively. Policies to reduce the consumption of these unhealthy foods will improve public health significantly.
“Increasing tax on sugar sweetened beverages is an evidence based policy to reduce its consumption and related chronic diseases. There is a strong public support for this policy change as per opinion poll conducted by Pakistan Health Research Council in 2021. However, it is recommended to earmark the collected revenue, fully or partially to public health and nutrition programs for an increased effectiveness of the policy “said by Mr. Munawar Hussain, consultant at Global Health Advocacy Incubator.
“Sugary drinks are the largest source of sugar intake in our diet. Failing prompt and decisive action, the number of people living with diabetes will surge to 62 million by the year 2045. These drinks not only pose a serious threat to public health but also to economy of the country.” Col (Rtd) Dr. Shakeel Mirza, a leading health expert.
Ms. Afshan Tehsin Bajwah, former Chairperson at National Commission on the Rights of Child, appreciated the Ministry of Health and PANAH for organizing this important dialogue and working together for public welfare.
Sanaullah Ghumman said that beverage industry uses several tactics to mislead policy makers to derail the public health agenda. We need to carefully monitor and keep an eye of such tactics. We must prioritize public health over the corporate interest and help save precious lives of Pakistani people.