This refers to the news report ‘Speakers say no net increase in tobacco taxes as health cost increases to Rs615b’ (June 8). Many healthcare experts have advised the government to increase the health tax on tobacco products to put an end to smoking. Controlling tobacco use is essential if the government is serious about preventing major noncommunicable diseases, including cancer, in the country.
Revenue from the proposed health tax should be set aside for covering the treatment cost of these major diseases. In Pakistan, cigarettes are sold at cheaper prices, making it easier for a large number of people to buy it. The government should seriously consider implementing health taxes on tobacco products and ensuring that the revenue generated through these taxes is spent on the health sector.
Mariam Khan
Lahore
Almost twice a year hunters visit Balochistan to trap rare birds. They sprawl over a vast area in Zhob, Lasbela, Killa...
There is a job crisis in the European Union as, according to some reports, employers are struggling to find applicants...
The newly-inducted government needs to make some critical decisions including privatizing or shuttering the bleeding...
One of the most prominent challenges facing Pakistan is the presence of corruption and nepotism, which undermines fair...
An alarming report from the World Health Organization indicates that Pakistan has the highest number of viral...
Climate change is the most important issue in today’s world. It has put a lot of countries at risk and the risk is...