Prescribing formula milk to children is crime, SAPM Sultan

Releasing a video statement on Breastfeeding Week, which is being celebrated globally from August 1 to 7, Dr Faisal Sultan said that mother's milk is not only for the mental and physical development of children, but is also necessary for the health of the mother.

"The rate of breastfeeding in Pakistan is very low compared to other countries. The Ministry of National Health Services, in collaboration with the provinces, has issued a guideline on breastfeeding.”

While without any specific reason, he said It is illegal to prescribe formula milk to babies.

“Doctors should urge mothers to breastfeed for at least six months,” he added.

It is worth mentioning here that a few years ago, a joint report of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations International Emergency Fund for Children (UNICEF) claimed that no country in the world has recommended breastfeeding.

The standard is not met and only 23 out of 194 countries have a breastfeeding rate of more than 60%.

It added that Pakistan was at 18% in the early stages of breastfeeding and only 37.7% of mothers breastfed for six months.

Following the coronavirus outbreak, WHO last year advised mothers not to stop breastfeeding because no breastfed child was found to have a virus transmitted to date.

The report, entitled "Marketing of Breastfeeding Alternatives: National Enforcement of the International Code", was released by WHO, UNICEF and the International Baby Food Action Network.

The report asked mothers to wash their hands frequently with soap and water or to use alcohol-based sanitisers, especially before touching the baby and wearing a mask at all times.

Even if mothers do not have a medical mask, they should follow all other steps to prevent infection and continue breastfeeding.

In 2017, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) ordered the withdrawal of highly harmful baby milk imported from France – marketed by two local companies.

The order was issued after the French government declared milk containing highly sensitive bacteria harmful to health, which can lead to chronic diarrhoea and stomach-related illnesses in children.

The French government had ordered its manufacturer to recall all its products from around the world and compensate its customers, which are mostly in seven countries, including Pakistan.