The Sindh government has enacted the Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Act, imposing strict regulations on the sale and promotion of artificial formula milk, marking a major step in promoting breastfeeding and child nutrition.
Under the new law, artificial formula milk cannot be sold without a doctor’s prescription, and violators will face heavy fines and imprisonment. Those violating the law will be fined Rs500,000 and imprisoned for six months.
Additionally, doctors cannot prescribe artificial formula milk to mothers without a valid reason, and those who do will face the cancellation of their licenses and complaints to the Infant Feeding Board.
Pakistan Paediatric Association President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Child Health, Prof Masood Sadiq, PPA Secretary Prof Mohsina Ibrahim, former President Prof Khalid Shafi, National Institute of Paediatrics Emergency Department Head Dr Hayat Buzdar, Dr Saadullah Chachar of NICH, and Paediatrician Dr. Waseem Jamalvi addressed a press conference in Karachi in this regard.
Prof Khalid Shafi stated that formula companies can no longer use the word ‘milk’ on packaging; they must instead write ‘artificial formula milk’. He further explained that these companies cannot engage in direct or indirect marketing or sponsor any conferences or doctors, and violators will face fines.
He also mentioned that no superstore or medical store would be allowed to display artificial formula milk openly, and those doing so could face a Rs500,000 fine and six months in prison. Doctors are also prohibited from prescribing artificial formula milk to any child without reason, or they will face suspension of their membership and a complaint to the Infant Feeding Board.
If a doctor fails to provide a solid reason for prescribing artificial formula milk, their license could be revoked. The Sindh Healthcare Commission has been included in the Infant Feeding Board.
Dr Khalid Shafi revealed that only 48.3% of mothers in Pakistan breastfeed their children, with 52% not doing so. He added that the law is in the implementation stage. Furthermore, they are initiating the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) program, under which hospitals will only allow mother’s milk for newborns. He also mentioned that breastfeeding will be included in the curriculum.
Prof Masood Sadiq emphasized that breast milk is a human necessity, noting that the Holy Quran commands breastfeeding for two years after birth.
He added that they are not only representatives of pediatricians but also of children and have requested all provinces, including Punjab, to follow this law.
Prof Mohsina Ibrahim stated that the law would benefit both the child and the mother. She explained that breast milk contains everything a newborn needs and that babies fed breast milk do not suffer from stomach pains.
“Their immunity is much better to fight germs. Babies who do not feed on breast milk suffer from diarrhea and infections, leading to diseases like pneumonia, which can result in death. Mothers who breastfeed their children are also protected from breast cancer,” she explained.
Dr Jamalvi mentioned that around 18 to 20 companies are currently selling artificial formula in the country. “In countries like Pakistan, the mortality rate of newborn babies is very high, primarily due to mothers not breastfeeding their children,” he remarked.
