Sindh Bans Sale of Baby Formula Without Doctor’s Prescription

Karachi – The Sindh government has introduced stringent regulations on the sale and promotion of baby formula milk, implementing the Sindh Protection and Promotion of Breastfeeding and Child Nutrition Act.

Under the new law, artificial formula milk cannot be sold without a doctor’s prescription. Violators of the regulation face penalties, including a fine of Rs500,000 and up to six months of imprisonment.

Formula milk manufacturers have also been instructed to label their products as “artificial milk” on packaging to ensure transparency.

The law further stipulates that doctors cannot prescribe formula milk to mothers without a valid medical reason. Doctors found violating this rule could face severe consequences, including the cancellation of their medical licenses and formal complaints to the Infant Feeding Board.

The move is aimed at promoting breastfeeding, which studies have shown to be significantly beneficial for infants. A landmark 2016 study revealed that improving global breastfeeding rates could save the lives of over 800,000 babies annually.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the importance of combating misinformation about formula feeding, stating: “False and misleading messages about formula feeding are a substantial barrier to breastfeeding, which we know is best for babies and mothers.”

The Sindh government’s initiative aims to protect and promote breastfeeding as the healthiest option for infants while discouraging unnecessary reliance on artificial formula milk.