SAMAA TV urges Governments and Businesses to create healthier work places as part of national strategy.

ISLAMABAD, September 25– In the lead up to World Heart Day on 27 September, the World Economic Forum (WEF), the World Heart Federation and the World Health Organization (WHO) have joined forces to call on governments, employers and workers around the world to make workplaces healthier.

According to WHO, more than 17 million people worldwide die annually from heart disease and stroke making it the world’s leading causes of death. Reports and surveys have shown that workplace wellness programs that encourage healthy diets, physical activity and restrictions on tobacco use not only reflects a cost-effective way to save lives but also contributes to improving workforce productivity.

In a recent statement issued by the WEF, Professor Klaus Schwab, Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum said "The World Economic Forum has identified chronic diseases as a major global threat for human lives and for economic growth and development over the coming 10 years." Professor Schwab also said "Some of the world's leading companies, Members of the World Economic Forum, have ongoing workplace wellness programs. In addition to improving health and well-being, this also makes good business sense, given that productivity losses due to chronic diseases have been estimated to be four times greater than the cost of their prevention or treatment."

Speaking on this global call, Amir Jahangir CEO, SAMAA TV said, “It is not widely realized that at present the developing countries contribute a greater share to the global burden of cardiovascular diseases than the developed countries, which according to recent studies will further increase over the coming years. The World Economic Forum recently launched the Global Competitiveness Report 2009-10, where Pakistan ranked 101 out of 134 countries. One of the areas, where Pakistan continue to lack improvement is the health Index, where we this year ranked 113 out of 134 countries. This sadly reflects the lack of investment in this area highlighting the poor political economics of health care investment in the developing world. It is very essential that we address this issue at all levels and take joint and appropriate efforts if we want to progress and make Pakistan a more competitive country at par with the global competition and development.”

Mr. Jahangir further said that “according to WHO reports for Pakistan, there is a greater possibility of increase in the deaths from chronic diseases by 30% in the next ten years, as the projected prevalence of overweight and obesity among males and female are on a rise in the country.”

He also added “A balance lifestyle needs to be followed. We at SAMAA TV strongly believe in providing our employees a healthy workplace and continue to implement initiatives, which will ensure the health care of our people. SAMAA TV has in that regard established a Counseling & Care Unit in our organization, which focuses on the well-being of our employees by providing them with counseling on both professional as well as personal issues and challenges. This unit helps them deal with those challenges, which may be putting them under pressure and preventing them from working in a conducive environment or with a positive mindset. Being a business, our human capital is one of the most contributing factors to our success, which is why it is not only our responsibility to ensure healthier minds and people but also an important strategy for developing a healthy business.”

According to WHO figures, more than 650,000 people have died of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes in Pakistan.

Dr Fiona Adshead Director, Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion, the World Health Organization said “There is still a widespread misconception that heart disease and stroke are “rich country” problems, in fact, over 80% of deaths from cardiovascular disease occur in low- and middle-income countries. We need a worldwide effort if we are to have a significant impact.”

Professor Pekka Puska, President of the World Heart Federation also endorsed the message by saying that “At a time when governments and business leaders are devoting considerable amounts of energy, and billions of dollars, to improve the health of global financial systems, attention should also be directed to the health of the workforce”.

The WEF, WHO and the World Heart Federation have joined hands to highlight the importance of workplaces by making it an ideal setting to encourage healthy lifestyles. According to WHO, most people spend over one-half their waking hours at work. This year’s call is to “Work with Heart”, where the small changes, such as bans on smoking, making more fruit and vegetables available at canteens and encouraging workers to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine, can make a big difference in terms of better health. These measures will help prevent not just heart disease and stroke, but also other chronic disease such as diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease, which together cause 60% of all deaths worldwide.

All three organizations are linking good health care with good economies; highlighting that chronic diseases create large adverse and underappreciated economics effects on families, communities and countries. A healthy lifestyle will also help employers, by increasing productivity up to 20%, fewer sick days, lower medical costs, improved morale and corporate image, and enhanced staff retention.

The Global Competitiveness Report’s competitiveness ranking is based on the Global Competitiveness Index (GCI), developed for the World Economic Forum. The GCI is based on 12 pillars of competitiveness, providing a comprehensive picture of the competitiveness landscape in countries around the world at all stages of development. The pillars include Institutions, Infrastructure, Macroeconomic Stability, Health and Primary Education, Higher Education and Training, Goods Market Efficiency, Labour Market Efficiency, Financial Market Sophistication, Technological Readiness, Market Size, Business Sophistication, and Innovation.

SAMAA TV is one of Pakistan’s leading private satellite television channels, which takes pride in its fair, factual and independent news coverage through its on-the-hour bulletins, breaking stories, incisive political analysis and current affairs programs. The channel is the first media channel is Pakistan to have established a well-integrated Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program as part of it business activities. SAMAA TV’s CSR program carries various initiatives within health, education, environment and outreach programs focusing on improving the socio-economic situation of Pakistan.

SAMAA TV has also made a niche for itself through its programs on women and youth issues besides infotainment and sports. SAMAA TV, launched in December 2007 has network of district correspondents and five (5) bureaus across Pakistan along with international stringers in the Middle East, Europe and North America.