Healthy Tax: A Smart Move for Public Health or an Unfair Burden

Anytime I come across discussions about major taxes or healthy taxes, especially in the context of my country, I just smile. A healthy tax can offer a lot of benefits if we analyze it properly.

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From a health perspective, there are certain products or substances we shouldn’t be consuming due to the damage they cause to the human body. Taxing such products might be a good idea, but it may also seem unfair to many. Additionally, such a tax may not last long before those addicted to these substances begin to find alternative ways to access them.

Despite the obvious negative effects of these products, it seems many people just don’t care. Various healthcare campaigns have tried to raise awareness, but they often fall on deaf ears. Take cigarettes as an example: even though the packs clearly warn, “Smokers are liable to die young,” most smokers ignore the warning. In fact, some have even turned to more dangerous substances or drugs just to get high and feel like they’re on top of the world.

Now imagine adding taxes to these substances in an attempt to reduce consumption — it likely won’t work. People who are addicted will still find ways to obtain them. Moreover, the public may not recognize the potential benefits of such a policy but will instead criticize the government, arguing that it’s unfair to the poor, since the rich will still be able to afford these items. Tobacco is already expensive, yet those who can afford it still buy it. Those who can’t often turn to cheaper but more harmful alternatives.

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Taxing drinks, whether sugary or alcoholic, might be seen as a punishment because almost everyone consumes them, even though they are harmful to health. I believe the best way to introduce such taxes is to do it gradually. Alongside this, there should be an increase in public education about how dangerous these substances are to the body.

If implemented properly, this tax could even serve as a source of revenue for the healthcare system. Will it be a good move? Yes, it will. The benefits outweigh the criticism it may attract. More lives will be saved, health issues will decrease, and people can be educated about healthier food choices and beverages to replace the harmful ones.