ISLAMABAD: According to Dr. Baseer Khan Achackzai, director general of the Ministry of National Health Services, the Ministry of Finance has been advised to raise taxes on sugary drinks.
The goal behind this proposal is to discourage its consumption as they pose serious risk to public health.
What you need to know:
Achackzai said that a 10% tax on four high-selling drinks would raise Rs120 billion annually. He says this could be used to upgrade public health-related infrastructure. The minister continued, “According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), diabetes and its complications cause more than 1,100 deaths per day in Pakistan.”
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Public health issue:
With sugary drinks becoming more expensive, consumers will be more likely to opt for healthy options like water or unsweetened drinks. Achackzai stated that this change towards healthier options will contribute to a decrease in the consumption of liquid sugar and an improvement in the general health of the populace.
Why it matters:
Numerous research articles suggest that sugary beverages contribute to the rise in diabetic illnesses. Additionally, it contributes significantly to obesity as well.
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