Now you can only buy baby formula milk with doctor’s prescription in Sindh

Sindh Assembly has passed the Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Act to promote breastfeeding and regulate the sale of infant formula. Under the new law, the sale of baby formula in Sindh will only be allowed with a valid prescription.

Violators will face fines and imprisonment. Moreover, milk products sold at pharmaceutical stores must be clearly labeled as powdered milk and require a prescription.

Medical practitioners prescribing formula milk without justified medical reasons can incur a fine of up to Rs. 500,000 or six months of imprisonment.

Provincial authorities are working with the Pakistan Pediatric Association to ensure the effective implementation and enforcement of the law. It emphasizes that formula milk should only be prescribed in emergencies, under medical supervision, and for a specified duration.

This legislation addresses critical health concerns in Pakistan, where low breastfeeding rates have contributed to a rise in preventable diseases. The law is designed to encourage breastfeeding, support mental and physical development, and protect infants from various health risks.