Health experts and other nutritionists have raised concerns that the excessive use of oily, greasy and sugar-rich products during Ramazan causes obesity and other chronic illnesses.
According to health professionals, evidence suggests that high consumption of oil and sugar-rich foods and the use of banaspati and ghee are linked with increased rates of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and other types of chronic diseases.
To promote public health and overall well-being, public health experts are calling on the government to subsidise healthy alternatives like fruits, lentils, and vegetables on a priority basis.
Munawar Hussain, the Global Health Advocacy Incubator's in-country coordinator, emphasized the need for a change in the focus of subsidies, saying that "while ensuring food accessibility is crucial, we must be mindful of the impact of these subsidies on public health and people's behaviour on food consumption."
By subsidizing unhealthy products, the public will continue to eat these unhealthy products without knowing the risks associated with them. For the well-being of the public, the government had the opportunity to create a positive change and subsidize healthier food options rather than unhealthy products.
Mukhtar Ahmad, executive director of the Center for Peace and Development Initiatives, acknowledged the significance of this matter by saying, "It is essential to strike a balance between affordability and health. By incentivizing the consumption of nutritious foods, the government can play a pivotal role in improving the overall health outcomes of the nation."
He further added, “Food subsidies must be linked with nutritional value and dietary risk factor assessment of edible commodities.”
Furthermore, Afshar Iqbal, director of communications and advocacy at Pakistan Youth Change Advocates, stated: "World Health Organization in their obesity prevention framework recommend removing subsidies on all types of fats/oils and sugar. Redirecting subsidies towards items like 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, more resilient society."
The request for a reassessment of subsidies is in line with international initiatives aimed at tackling the rising number of non-communicable illnesses associated with food, in general, and industrially manufactured trans-fats, in particular.
Advocates for public health are hoping that the government would take these suggestions into account and prioritize national health when allocating subsidies.
