The increase in taxes will contribute to the efficiency of health care expenses

Although the first years of implementation of the tax increase are verified, the revenue improvement is verified, but the success achieved in deterrence of consumption means that in the long run the collections lose their importance in terms of health outcomes.

Paraguay is part of countries in epidemiological transition because, while maintaining the causes of mortality and morbidity due to infectious diseases, chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer and high blood pressure are increasing. The worst is that the age of onset also decreases, affecting both boys and girls, as is the case of diabetes caused by obesity.

The treatment of these diseases is extremely costly for the country and this effect can be reduced by preventive measures. One of these measures is precisely the increase in the cost of products through taxation, as evidenced by badessments done around the world. In addition, the increase in taxes generates resources that can be allocated to provide increased funding for health policy, although this is temporary, as indicated.

For those who stress the urgent need to increase the efficiency of public spending, taxes on these goods are a fundamental mechanism to achieve this goal. However, in a contradictory way, the same sector that requires more efficiency in public spending is the one that also rejects the proposal of the Ministry of Finance.

Groups that reject the measure but demand improvements in terms of effectiveness must be consistent with its approach. The prevention of diseases, in this case the deterrence of consuming the products that generate them, is the least expensive strategy and the best results. The health prevention policy also contains sufficient evidence in the impact and effectiveness evaluations that amply justify its prioritization.

But beyond the economic benefits of taxation, there is the health of people. It is not morally acceptable for a country not to impose sanitary measures that will benefit the entire population by guaranteeing the profits of a few companies.

The state bases its creation on the guarantee of the common good over private interests. The health of individuals can not be subordinated to the activities of a minimum sector of the economy, which is compounded when one considers the high level of public expenditure that currently involves the treatment of diseases and other Alcohol consumption. , tobacco and beverages and harmful foods. We hope that rationality and the right to health take precedence when discussing and approving the increase in taxes on these goods.