India s strategy: keep waiting
As many as 25 per cent of Indian men and 36 per cent of women above 20 have a BMI of more than 25 kg/m2, says a national survey carried out in 2000. India also has the highest number of diabetes patients in the world.
The time is right to ensure that the number does not increase,say consumer rights activists. But instead of doing that the Indian government has several complaints against WHO's strategy and is taking a " US-like' attitude.
A letter sent by B P Sharma, joint secretary in the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, to WHO says: "It should be understood that the requirements of developed countries and (other) countries like India cannot be the same. Developing countries with a large population engaged in physical labour need energy rich diets like fats and sugar. The decision to eat or not to eat a food rests with an individual.'
The Indian government objects to the language of the strategy and feels that it promotes certain kinds industries, but this shouldn't be misinterpreted that it opposes the entire plan, says J V R Prasada Rao, secretary in the same ministry.
"There is a need to ensure that the developing countries do actually benefit from the increased demand for fruits and vegetables and the developed countries do not subsidise these in their country,' says Rajesh Bhusan, director in the ministry. India sent its comments on the strategy nearly two weeks after WHO's deadline ended on February 29. Would WHO even consider India's opinion? The Indian government does not seem to be bothered about this. "We have been told that the strategy is not likely to be finalised at this WHA,' says Bhusan.
But what will be India's final stand at WHA. Wait, the government is still at it.