Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that the National Family Health Survey has shown that there is more than 20 per cent incidence of diabetes and hypertension;
(b) the steps taken by the Government in this regard; and
(c) whether the Government proposes to impose tax on sugar/sugar containing food items and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)
(a): As per the National Family Health Survey-4 2015-16, in the age group of 15-49 years, 5.8% women and 8.0% men in India have blood sugar higher than 140 mg/dl. Estimates for above normal (Systolic 140-159 mm of Hg or and diastolic 90-99 mm of Hg) blood pressure among Indians in the age group of 15-49 are 10.4% and 6.7% respectively among men and women.
(b) & (c): While health is a state subject, the Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments to provide health care including tertiary level health care for NCDs. The Government of India is implementing the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) for interventions up to District level under the National Health Mission. It focuses on awareness generation, screening and early diagnosis of persons with high level of risk factors and their treatment and referral (if required) to higher facilities for appropriate management, development of Human Resource and setting up of infrastructure such as NCD clinics for Non- communicable Diseases.
Government of India is also implementing population level screening for diabetes, hypertension and common cancer viz. oral, breast and cervix. The Operational Guidelines have been shared with State Governments with the request to submit their proposal in their State specific Programme Implementation Plans (PIP) under NHM.
“Water, including mineral water and aerated water, containing added sugar or other sweetening matter or flavoured” falling under Chapter sub-heading 2202 10 of the Central Excise Tariff attracts 21% central excise duty as against the standard central excise duty rate of 12.5%. Presently, there is no proposal to increase the central excise duty on food items containing added sugar.
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