Subsidizing unhealthy food items may encourage public to continue consuming such foods, Munawwar Hussain

Islamabad :  Government of Pakistan urged to review subsidies in view of health issues during Ramazan
As Ramazan approaches, the Government of Pakistan is all set to continue its tradition of providing subsidies on various food items through Utility Store Corporations, Ramazan Bazars and other means. While this practice has been beneficial in ensuring food availability during the holy month, concerns have been raised about the nutritional content of some of the subsidized items.
Civil society has particularly expressed concern over subsidies on certain items such as sugar and ghee/banaspati oils, which are associated with increased risk of obesity and chronic diseases. Evidence suggests that high consumption of sugar and trans fatty acids present in banaspati ghee/oils is associated with an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes, stroke, cancer and several other chronic diseases. As part of a broader effort to promote public health and well-being, public health advocates are calling on the government to withdraw its subsidies on sugar and ghee/banaspati oils and prioritize subsidizing healthier alternatives such as lentils, fruits and vegetables.
Munawar Hussain, National Coordinator of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), emphasized the need for a shift in the focus of subsidies: “Ensuring food availability is essential, but we need to be mindful of the impact of these subsidies on public health and people’s food consumption behavior. Subsidizing unhealthy foods can encourage the public to continue consuming such foods without knowing the risks they pose. The government has an opportunity to make a positive difference by redirecting subsidies to healthier food options that contribute to good health. -being of the population.”
Mukhtar Ahmad, executive director of the Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI), acknowledged the importance of the issue and said, “It is essential to strike a balance between affordability and health. By encouraging the consumption of nutritious food, the government can play a key role in improving the nation’s overall health outcomes. ” He further added: “Food subsidies must be linked to the nutritional value and assessment of dietary risk factors of edible commodities.
Afshar Iqbal, Director of Communications and Advocacy at Pakistan Youth Change Advocates (PYCA), added: “The World Health Organization recommends removing subsidies on all types of fats/oils and sugar in its obesity prevention framework. Redirecting subsidies to items such as lentils, fruits , vegetables and other nutritious options will align with the government’s commitment to the well-being of its citizens and contribute to a healthier and more resilient society.”
The call for a review of subsidies is in line with global efforts to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases linked to diet in general and industrially produced trans fats in particular. Public health advocates hope the government will consider these recommendations and prioritize the nation’s health when allocating subsidies.