The Sindh Assembly passed a law that penalizes physicians who advocate for fake milk.
The Sindh Assembly, in collaboration with the health department, UNICEF, and the Pakistan Pediatric Association, enacted a new law. Physicians who promote fake milk will be subject to severe sanctions under this regulation. Any physician found to be endorsing fake milk faces a fine of 500,000 rupees and a jail term of six months.
Additionally, hospitals are prohibited from advertising artificial milk under the regulation, and the milk can only be purchased at pharmacies with a prescription from a physician. Newborns can only be given artificial milk in emergency cases under a doctor’s supervision and for a brief period of time.
At a news conference at the Karachi news club, representatives of the Pakistan Pediatric Association declared that the “Sindh Protection and Breastfeeding Act” would be implemented immediately. Representatives from the Pakistan Pediatric Association and the Sindh Healthcare Commission are on the board that the Sindh government has set up to supervise the bill.
Because breast milk provides key nutrients and antibodies that prevent children from a variety of ailments, health professionals stress that it is crucial for a child’s health, growth, and immunity.
Only 48.4% of Pakistani children receive breast milk, according to recent data, contributing to the country’s high neonatal mortality rates. Each year, thousands of children die from respiratory illnesses, diarrhea, premature birth, and other issues.
This new law intends to decrease the use of fake milk, emphasize the value of nursing, and address the flaws of current regulations.
A law has been passed in Sindh banning the sale of baby formula milk without a doctor’s prescription.
