Latest news with #healthstrategy
Zawya
19-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Oman: Sweet tax — has it helped?
Muscat: Governments worldwide have been increasingly exploring fiscal measures, such as excise taxes, to address public health concerns related to the consumption of unhealthy foods and beverages high in sugar, salt, or fat. The rationale behind these taxes is that increasing the price of these products will discourage consumption, potentially leading to improved dietary habits and health outcomes. Oman has implemented such taxes as part of its public health strategy. Oman introduced excise taxes on specific goods, including certain unhealthy items, as part of its commitment to public health and diversifying government revenue. An initial phase of excise tax implementation began in June 2019, primarily targeting tobacco products, energy drinks and carbonated drinks. A subsequent expansion in July 2020 broadened the scope to include other sweetened drinks and specific food items deemed unhealthy, such as chips, certain types of chocolate and biscuits. The tax rates applied vary, with a common rate of 50 per cent on sweetened drinks and 100 per cent on products like tobacco and energy drinks. The primary intended effect of imposing excise taxes on junk food and soft drinks is to reduce their consumption. By increasing the retail price, these products become less affordable for consumers. 'Economic theory suggests that demand for goods typically decreases as prices rise, especially if consumers can substitute them with cheaper alternatives. In the context of unhealthy foods and drinks, the hope is that consumers will either reduce their overall intake of these items or switch to untaxed, healthier options like water, unsweetened beverages, fruits, or vegetables,' said an economic researcher. He said that beyond reducing consumption, these taxes are intended to generate revenue for the government. 'This revenue can potentially be earmarked for public health initiatives, such as health education campaigns promoting healthy eating and active lifestyles, or for subsidising healthier food options, further supporting the public health goals,' he said. Evidence from various countries that have implemented similar taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and unhealthy foods generally indicates a reduction in the sales and consumption of the taxed products. The magnitude of this reduction can vary depending on factors such as the tax rate, how the tax is passed on to consumers, the availability of untaxed substitutes and the price sensitivity of the population. While the immediate impact on purchasing decisions is primarily financial, the tax policy itself can contribute to raising public awareness about healthy versus unhealthy choices. However, the impact is not always straightforward. Regarding the impact on health consciousness, while the tax primarily works through price mechanisms, it can contribute indirectly. The public discourse surrounding the introduction of such taxes often highlights the health reasons behind them, which can increase awareness. Moreover, if the tax revenue is used to fund health promotion programmes, this can directly contribute to educating the public and fostering greater health consciousness. 'Consumers might switch to untaxed, but still unhealthy, alternatives. The effect on overall calorie intake or nutritional quality of diets can therefore be complex and requires careful evaluation. I know many people who still take unhealthy taxed drinks just like before. Here I mean 100 per cent on products like tobacco and energy drinks,' Abdullah al Khaldi, a parent said. So far, there is no specific data on the long-term impact of Oman's excise tax on consumption patterns and health outcomes. However, based on international experience, it is reasonable to expect that the tax has led to some reduction in the consumption of the taxed items in Oman. But for some, such taxes have made a difference. 'I used to drink one energy drink daily but ever since the prices went up, I have tried to reduce. Now I just buy them whenever I come across them, maybe once a week only. So, I would say tax increase has impacted my intake, Therefore, these taxes serve as a tool within a broader public health strategy aimed at improving dietary habits and promoting health awareness in Oman,' said Sufian Jamal, a private sector employee. 2022 © All right reserved for Oman Establishment for Press, Publication and Advertising (OEPPA) Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
The Independent
19-05-2025
- Health
- The Independent
‘Hard-won progress' on cardiovascular disease risks being lost, charity warns
'Hard-won progress' in reducing cardiovascular disease risks being lost, a charity has warned, as figures show Scottish heart health has declined more quickly at the start of the 2020s than in any other decade for half a century. Analysis by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland points to the first sustained increase in cardiovascular death rates among working-age adults 'in at least a generation'. The rate stood at 68 cardiovascular deaths per 100,000 in 2023, compared with 60 deaths per 100,000 in 2019. In all, 2,324 working-age adults (those aged 20-64) died from cardiovascular disease in 2023 compared with 2,032 in 2019, an increase of 14%. This means an average of 45 working-age adults died each week from the disease in 2023 compared to 39 in 2019. The BHF said the increase comes after successive decades of progress, which have seen deaths each year from conditions like heart attack and stroke 'nearly halve' since the 1960s. The charity has launched a new strategy calling for a bold 'reimagining' of the way the country prevents and treats heart disease and stroke, which it says could save 'countless' lives. David McColgan, head of BHF Scotland, said: 'It's been the worst start to a decade for heart health for half a century, but we're entering an era of immense scientific opportunity that can turn this tide. 'By driving a research revolution, we can reverse this worrying trend and save more lives than ever before. 'The BHF's new strategy will be key to this, and the next step for us as we aim to save many more families the heartbreak of losing loved ones far too soon.' The figures highlight a range of areas pointing to Scotland's declining heart health since 2020. These include a 140% increase in the number of people waiting for a cardiology appointment, and a doubling of the number of people waiting for an echocardiogram. Obesity rates have also reached record levels, with an estimated 32% of adults (1.4 million) having weight defined as obese, up from 29% in 2019. There are also record numbers of people living with diabetes – a major factor for cardiovascular disease – and with atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm). The reasons for the worsening picture, the charity said, include an increasingly unhealthy population; widening health inequalities; the impact of Covid-19; pressure on the NHS; and a lack of 'meaningful action' by the Scottish Government on issues like obesity. In launching its new strategy the charity has set out three 'priorities' it said could help address the challenges. It is calling for heart disease prevention to be 'reimagined' through areas like data science and AI; increased investment in cardiovascular research; and support for the health service to improve care for people with heart conditions. Professor Bryan Williams, chief scientific and medical officer at the BHF, said: 'Research-driven innovation in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases has been one of the great success stories of modern medicine. 'However, these diseases remain one of the biggest yet most preventable causes of premature death and ill health. 'We need to act now to prevent the hard-won progress of recent decades being lost for future generations. 'Reimagining how we prevent and treat heart disease and stroke is key to transforming the nation's health. ' Research and innovation are how we'll achieve this, and the rapid advances in AI, data science, technology and advanced therapies offer us a glimpse into what's possible if we capitalise on this era of scientific opportunity. 'We can't do this alone, so support from governments and partners will be critical to unleash the potential of the UK's life sciences sector to help unlock the lifesaving treatments and cures millions are still waiting for.' The BHF is the biggest independent funder of cardiovascular research in the UK, committing around £100 million of new research awards every year. Scottish public health minister Jenni Minto said: 'We strongly share the ambition to improve Scotland's heart health and help people live longer, happier lives. 'A key part of this is ensuring that we create an environment which helps people to make healthier choices about their health which are critical to maintaining heart health – including stopping smoking, exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet.' To help with this, she said the Scottish Government, together with the council body Cosla, would soon publish a Population Health Framework 'which is focused on prevention'. Ms Minto added: 'Through our Heart Disease Action Plan we are working to ensure timely and equitable access to diagnosis, treatment, and care for people with heart disease in Scotland. 'We were pleased that Parliament approved this year's Scottish budget which ensures a record funding settlement for the NHS, allowing us to invest in bringing down waiting times and making it easier to see a GP.'
