The caretaker federal health minister has implemented a ban on the use of sugary items in subordinate institutions under the Ministry of Health, in a move being hailed as groundbreaking at promoting public health.
This decision, heralded as a revolutionary step, underscores the government's commitment to curbing the prevalence of communicable and non-communicable diseases linked to sugary consumption.
The Federal Ministry of Health issued an official advisory, directing that sweet products be prohibited from use in official meetings or functions. The rationale behind this directive is that sugary drinks cause communicable and non-communicable diseases, as observed by the Minister of Health.
Highlighting the preventive aspect of the ban, the caretaker health minister emphasized the importance of fostering a healthy environment to mitigate the risk of diseases. He said the government was ensuring effective measures to prevent communicable and non-communicable diseases.
To bolster these efforts, the government has initiated a comprehensive program, valued at Rs6.8 billion, aimed at preventing diabetes, as disclosed by Health Minister Dr. Nadeem Jan.
Dr Jan said his ministry had made large-scale reforms to improve the health sector in a short period of time. Recognizing the impact of sugary drinks on individuals of all ages, the minister underscored the necessity of safeguarding the health and well-being of children and youth from the adverse effects of excessive sugar consumption, especially in drinks.
The ban on sweet products, including sugary drinks, was instituted under the directive of the supervising health minister, signaling a collective effort to prioritize public health concerns. This measure not only aligns with the government's broader agenda of health promotion but also reflects a proactive approach in addressing preventable health issues at their root cause.