Diseases and deaths may continue to increase if taxes on sugary drinks are not increased: Health Experts

Dateline Report
ISLAMABAD: The diseases and deaths may continue to increase in Pakistan, if government failed to increase excise tax on all type of sugary drinks to cut down its consumption. Nearly 1100 people are dying daily in Pakistan due to diabetes and its complication, and many of those could be prevented by taking immediate policy measures by reducing consumption of sugary drinks. Number of people living with diabetes are estimated to be increased to 62 million by 2045 if no urgent policy action taken. Sugary drinks are the largest source of the intake of the sugar in the diet. This concern was raised by health professionals’ and civil society representatives here on Friday. They were speaking to a session with the journalists organized by Pakistan National Heart Association (PANAH) at a local hotel. Those who attended the session include; consultant at global health advocacy incubator (GHAI) Mr. Munawar Hussain, President National Press Club Islamabad Mr. Anwar Raza, Ex-Commissioner FBR Mr. Abdul Hafeez, General Secretary Pakistan Kideny Patients Welfare Association Mr. Ghulam Abbas, health professionals, representatives of civil society and media. Special Assistant to Prime Minister and Minister of State for Human Rights and Women Empowerment Mashaal Hussein Malick was the chief guest on the occasion.
Mashaal Hussein Malick said that diet related non-communicable are causing deaths, diseases and miseries to people of Pakistan. We need to learn from world experiences to reduce the unhealthy foods like sugary drinks and impose higher taxes on them.
Munawar Hussain said that sugary drinks are the largest source of the intake of the sugar in the diet and no one can deny this fact. The liquid sugar alters the metabolism of the body, promote excess calorie intake which can lead to obesity and type 2 diabetes. Increasing tax on all type of sweet drinks is an evidence based policy to reduce its consumption, obesity, diabetes, heart diseases and other chronic diseases. The evidence is now available from several countries on the success of this policy measure which may be helpful for decision makers in Pakistan. “Increasing tax on sugary drinks will not only decrease the disease burden but also generate additional revenue for the government. However, it is important that government should year mark a part of this revenue for health and nutrition initiatives” he added.
Anwar Raza said that public health must be the main priority of the government. Non-communicable diseases are at a peak in Pakistan. Civil society organization’s like PANAH are raising voice on this important issue and media stands with them for this noble cause. He urged government to take policy actions to reduce the consumption of unhealthy sugary drinks.
Sanaullah Ghumman said that beverage industry is misleading policy makers by twisting facts and deceptive tactics to derail the public health agenda. Government must prioritize public health over the corporate interest and help save precious lives of Pakistani people.