The Sindh government has enacted the Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Act, introducing stringent regulations on the sale and promotion of artificial formula milk in a significant move to encourage breastfeeding and improve child nutrition.
Under the new law, artificial formula milk can only be sold with a doctor’s prescription, and violators face substantial fines and imprisonment. Those found in breach will be fined Rs 500,000 and face up to six months in jail.
Doctors are also prohibited from prescribing artificial formula milk without a valid medical reason. Violations will result in the cancellation of the doctor’s licence and complaints to the Infant Feeding Board.
During a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, key figures from the Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA), including President Prof Masood Sadiq, Secretary Prof Mohsina Ibrahim, former President Prof Khalid Shafi, Dr. Hayat Buzdar, Dr. Saadullah Chachar, and Dr. Waseem Jamalvi, discussed the new regulations.
Prof Khalid Shafi highlighted that formula companies are no longer allowed to use the term ‘milk’ on their packaging and must label their products as ‘artificial formula milk.’ He also emphasized that such companies are banned from marketing their products directly or indirectly, including sponsoring conferences or doctors. Violators will face heavy fines.
Additionally, superstores and medical stores are prohibited from openly displaying artificial formula milk, with violators facing a Rs 500,000 fine and possible imprisonment. Doctors must provide a valid reason for prescribing artificial formula milk, or they risk suspension from the Infant Feeding Board and possible licence revocation.
Dr. Shafi also pointed out that breastfeeding rates in Pakistan are low, with only 48.3% of mothers breastfeeding their children, and emphasized that the law aims to address this issue. The government is also rolling out the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) program, ensuring that hospitals only provide mother’s milk to newborns.
Professor Sadiq affirmed that breast milk is essential for a child’s health, citing that it is also mandated in the Holy Quran. He added that breastfeeding benefits both the mother and child, as it boosts immunity and reduces the risk of infections and diseases like pneumonia.
Dr. Ibrahim explained that breast milk contains all the nutrients a newborn needs and helps protect mothers from breast cancer. Dr. Jamalvi noted that the sale of artificial formula by around 18 to 20 companies in Pakistan contributes to the high newborn mortality rate, which could be reduced with increased breastfeeding.
