Sindh govt introduces new law to ban baby formula milk

KARACHI: In a move to promote breastfeeding for healthy child, Sindh legislators have enacted the Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Act to protect and promote breastfeeding and regulate baby formula sale.

Henceforth, baby formula sales will only be permitted on prescription in Sindh. Offenders will face a fine and imprisonment. The law now requires milk products from pharmaceutical stores to be sold only on prescription, and it must specifically say that they are powdered milk.

Medical practitioners who prescribe formula milk without a valid reason are subject to a fine of a maximum of Rs5 lac or six months’ imprisonment.

This is a response to the alarming health concerns raised in Pakistan where, due to considerably low rates of breastfeeding, there has been a rise in preventable diseases. The new law aims to promote breastfeeding, assist mental development, and protect infants from various diseases.

The provincial authorities are seeking collaboration with the Pakistan Pediatric Association to approve and enforce the new law. It must be emphasized that the law authorizes the use of formula only in emergencies, with the doctor’s supervision, and on a prescribed term.

The ultimate decision in Sindh to regulate the sale of baby formula is commendable in transforming and promoting breastfeeding and child nutrition.

There is little doubt that the high price of several baby formulations usually tears a hole in the pocket of the parent, this will no doubt encourage the mothers to breastfeed their youngsters, something vital for their growth and development.

The law also mandates that such artificial milk cannot be advertised or sold without a prescription, thus reducing the risk of misusing formula milk; the tacit assumption being that it would encourage breastfeeding.