Health Ministry Proposes Tax Incentives to Combat NCDs
The Public Health Ministry plans to offer tax incentives to combat Non-Communicable Diseases in Thailand. Led by Minister Somsak Thepsutin, the initiative aims to reduce the approximately 400,000 annual deaths from NCDs such as cancer and diabetes. A campaign involving one million village health volunteers will promote prevention practices, potentially saving the government 1.6 trillion baht annually.
The Public Health Ministry, led by Minister Somsak Thepsutin, plans to introduce tax incentives to encourage the prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in Thailand.
The ministry's records indicate that approximately 400,000 people die annually from NCDs in the country.
Chronic diseases such as cancer, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, and chronic respiratory diseases fall under NCDs.
Key risk factors identified by the World Health Organization include tobacco use, physical inactivity, harmful alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and air pollution.
The ministry will enlist one million village health volunteers to promote campaigns like 'Eat wisely and not get sick.' Reducing NCD patients could save the government around 1.6 trillion baht annually.
The Ministry plans to discuss further tax incentives for individuals and food manufacturers starting Monday.