Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination (NHSRC) has renewed its commitment to impose health tax on fizzy drinks and tobacco.
Reportedly, this year’s theme ‘tobacco and lung health’ has highlighted the concern of citizen’s health among the government. Thereforem a Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) was implemented along with NCDs health tax as a step in the right direction.
NO OTHER PERSON IN PAKISTAN OTHER THAN THE HEALTH MINISTER, DR ZAFAR MIRZA, A WHO MAN WHO IS WELL GROOMED IN CONSUMER RIGHTS, KNOW THAT FCTC AND WHO’S (WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION) MPOWER STRATEGY HAS TO BE IMPLEMENTED NOT IN PIECEMEAL BUT IN TOTO.
On Tuesday, reportedly a meeting was chaired by PM Khan where it was decided that all provinces must take control of the use of tobacco.
The Prime Minister approved the imposing of health tax of Rs. 10 per cigarette pack. The tax money will then be used by the health ministry on welfare projects. It was also decided that there will be a 1% increase in the forthcoming budget.
Earlier in February, the National Health Services and Coordination Division had presented a draft of the Health Levy Bill 2019. It proposed the imposition of a health levy on cigarettes and sugary beverages. The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) had gone against it and opposed the decision.
The health minister is expected to send an approved plan to the finance ministry within the next 2 days to make it an official part of the Financial Bill 2019.
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