Dr. M Ali Hamza
In a developing country like Pakistan, the national budget plays a crucial role in economic stability and growth. A well-planned budget fosters sustainable development, economic resilience, and improved living standards.In multiple search results, the two consistent top priorities when drafting the national budget of a developing country like Pakistan were education and healthcare funding, ahead of other considerations such as infrastructure investment, fiscal deficits, external debt, inflation management, currency stabilization, and tax reforms.
To assure healthcare funding in a national budget, mostly disease burden, medical Infrastructure, healthcare workforce availability, and cost-effectiveness of medical programs are considered as main factors. The neglected part is nutrition: a fundamental pillar of a country’s healthcare system that directly impacts public health and economic productivity. Poor nutrition leads to malnutrition, weakened immunity, stunting and increased susceptibility to diseases, placing a heavy burden on healthcare services.
In developing countries undernutrition and deficiencies in essential nutrients contribute to maternal and child mortality. On the other hand, unhealthy diets cause obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, escalating healthcare costs. A well-nourished population is more productive and requires fewer medical interventions. Investing in nutrition through public health programs, food security initiatives, strict safe food regulations, and awareness campaigns strengthens a nation’s overall healthcare system and economic growth.
In Pakistan, human nutrition statistics reveal a complex picture marked by both progress and persistent challenges. Recent surveys indicate that chronic undernutrition remains widespread, with nearly 40 percent of children under five years of age affected by stunting. Wasting, which signifies acute malnutrition, is also prevalent, impacting many children and increasing their susceptibility to infections. Malnutrition is also contributing to impaired cognitive development.
Governments of developing countries have implemented various budget policies to address malnutrition by boosting access to nutritious food and healthcare services. For example, India’s budget has supported initiatives like subsidized food distribution under the National Food Security Act, which provides vulnerable populations with essential staples. Brazil’s Zero Hunger Program, backed by significant budget allocations, combines cash transfers, school feeding programs, and nutrition education to improve diet quality and food access. In Bangladesh, considerable public spending on health and nutrition has facilitated widespread distribution of micronutrient supplements and fortified foods.
Additionally, many countries have reformed their trade policies to reduce import tariffs on nutrient-rich foods, incentivizing local production, exempting sales taxes, and lowering market prices. Investments in rural infrastructure, agricultural subsidies for fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, as well as enhanced water and sanitation facilities, further contribute to improved nutritional outcomes. Besides government initiatives the international organizations like WHO, FAO, GAIN (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition), Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) Movement etc. aim to address these issues through nutrition funding, nutrition education, and fortification programs.
Is the government using a nutrition-focused approach to assess and plan the health landscape of Pakistan?Perhaps in some cases, yes, but in many others, no. For instance, in a food bucket, milk is one of the most nutritionally complete foods, providing essential proteins, calcium, vitamins A and D, and other micronutrients crucial for bone health, muscle development, and overall growth. Regular milk consumption has been linked to better immunity, reduced risk of osteoporosis, improved cognitive development in children, and less burden on healthcare facilities.
Is all type of milk good? Raw milk is unpasteurized and untreated, meaning it contains natural nutrients but also potential harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, which can cause serious health risks. In contrast, processed milk undergoes pasteurization, eliminating harmful microbes while maintaining nutritional value. Developed countries transitioned to processed milk due to public health concerns. In the early 20th century, the United States and Europe experienced frequent outbreaks of milk-borne diseases, leading to mandatory pasteurization laws.
Governments worldwide have facilitated the transition from raw to processed milk byenforcing strict food safety laws, such as the FDA pasteurization mandate (US) and EU milk hygiene regulations, supporting dairy cooperatives, exemption from taxes, and running public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the dangers of raw milk and the benefits of processed alternatives.
In Pakistan, packaged milk was historically zero-rated under the Sales Tax Act, 1990, but national budget of Pakistan 2024-25 imposed 18% sales tax on packaged milk. The decision pushed many consumers toward raw milk that is indeed an unsafe alternative, and goes against the government priorities to improveaccess to safe nutrition, advancement in health index and support farmer livelihoods.
Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa, Canada, USA, Australia, India and several other countries have 0% sales tax on packaged milk and other countries have 10% or less. Why these countries do not compromise? The reason is simple “nourishing healthy societies”.
A nutrition-focused approach is essential for ensuring long-term improvements in the overall health status of Pakistan’s diverse population. Targeted interventions, robust policy measures, long sightedness are vital for sustainable progress. Budget 2025-26 is just around the corner. It is ging to set the tone for the year. We hope the tone is set for nourished Pakistan.
