In a significant move today, Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh has announced a complete ban on the sale of energy drinks within school premises, citing serious risks to children’s health. The move, aimed at safeguarding students' well-being, restricts the sale of energy drinks within a 50-meter radius of schools in urban areas and a 100-meter radius in rural areas.
During a meeting with officials from various departments in Ferozepur, Dr. Singh revealed that formal letters regarding the ban have been issued to all civil surgeons and district health officers across the state. An advisory has also been circulated, urging parents not to bring energy drinks into their homes in the interest of children's health.
Dr. Singh highlighted the dangers associated with energy drinks, noting their high caffeine content, which acts as a potent stimulant and can lead to an increased tendency toward substance abuse. He pointed out that many energy drinks, often marketed as energy boosters or dietary supplements, contain excessive caffeine levels that negatively impact the brain and nervous system.
He also urged parents to educate their children about the harmful effects of energy drinks and to keep them away from such products.
Raising concern over the easy availability of such beverages to minors, the Health Minister warned that energy drinks could cause cardiovascular, neurological, psychological, gastrointestinal, digestive, and kidney-related problems. He stressed that children, pregnant women, and breastfeeding mothers are particularly vulnerable to these risks.
The Health Minister concluded by appealing to the people of Punjab to support the government’s efforts in creating a healthier Punjab and to contribute towards realizing this collective dream.
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