In a significant move to promote breastfeeding and ensure infant health, the Sindh government has mandated that powdered baby milk can only be sold with a doctor’s prescription. This policy aims to encourage mothers to breastfeed and to regulate the use of formula milk.
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The Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breast-Feeding and Young Child Nutrition Act, 2023, prohibits the sale of formula milk without a doctor’s recommendation. The law also bans the advertisement of breast milk substitutes and complementary foods for children up to 35 months old. The Infant and Young Child Nutrition Board has urged the Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) to enforce this ban on electronic media.
Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho emphasized that formula milk will only be available at medical stores upon presentation of a valid prescription. This measure is designed to ensure that formula milk is used appropriately and to support breastfeeding practices.
The Sindh Food Authority has also highlighted the importance of adhering to expiration dates on baby formula products, advising that any product past its “use by” date should be discarded to ensure infant safety.
These initiatives reflect Sindh’s commitment to improving child nutrition and health outcomes by promoting breastfeeding and regulating the use of formula milk.
