Friday, March 29, 2024 | Ramadan 18, 1445 H
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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Govt plans tax to tackle lifestyle diseases

Minister-of-Health-Dr-Ahmed-bin-Mohammed-al-Saeedi
Minister-of-Health-Dr-Ahmed-bin-Mohammed-al-Saeedi
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Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Obaid al Saeedi, Minister of Health, has warned of the increasing cases of diabetes and other chronic diseases in the Sultanate and neighbouring countries.


He said that the proportion of people with diabetes in the Sultanate among Omanis exceeds 15 per cent, adding that there are countries with bigger numbers.


He said that chronic diseases can lead to serious complications such as kidney failure and cardiovascular problems. "Most of these chronic diseases are due to changing lifestyles."


Globally, major chronic diseases include heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke and arthritis.


Meanwhile, Dr Ali bin Talib al Hinai, said, the government is planning to impose taxes on sugar and fast food, in line with tax imposed on  Tobacco and derivatives (100 per cent), energy drinks (100 per cent); alcoholic beverages (100 per cent), Pork (100 per cent) and soft drinks (50 per cent).


Males (54.6 per cent) dominated the new cases related to overweight and obesity in 2018, while females constituted 45.4 per cent of the cases.


119 is the total number of new overweight and obesity cases in 2018, with an increase of 50.6 per cent over 2017.


101,083 is the total number of visits to psychiatric clinics in MOH Institutions. Based on the number of visits by govern orates in 2018, North al Batinah had the highest number of visits, with the number reaching 29,345 visitors.


 


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