Senate committee seeks enforcement of formula milk ad laws

ISLAMABAD, Nov 03 (APP): The Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has called for strict enforcement of existing laws to protect breastfeeding and prevent the commercial promotion of formula milk. The committee directed the Ministry of National Health Services and PEMRA to ensure implementation of relevant parliamentary legislation. The committee, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti at Parliament House, reviewed the implementation of its previous recommendations regarding the regulation and advertisement of formula milk for infants aged one to 36 months. The chairman expressed concern that a stay order obtained by Nestle from the Islamabad High Court had affected the implementation of directions requiring the disclaimer, 'Mother's Milk is the Best for a Child,' in formula milk advertisements. The Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (PEMRA) informed the committee that the disclaimer had been broadcast on 29 television channels, while efforts were underway to ensure its transmission on the remaining channels. It had also issued three letters to the Pakistan Broadcasters Association in this regard. The chairman observed that several countries, including Bangladesh, had adopted restrictions on formula milk advertisements. Referring to international practices, he said such advertisements had been prohibited in 89 countries. He stressed that resources spent on promoting formula milk could instead be directed towards improving maternal nutrition, benefiting both mothers and children. Federal Minister for National Health Services Syed Mustafa Kamal informed the committee that instructions had been issued to prepare an advertisement highlighting the importance of breastfeeding. The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) clarified that formula milk fell within its regulatory ambit under the category of alternative medicines. Senator Samina Mumtaz Zehri stressed the need to review existing nutritional regulations and cautioned against misleading claims regarding formula milk and child growth. She said the committee would not compromise on false claims and urged relevant authorities to examine the applicable rules. Senator Anusha Rehman Ahmed Khan highlighted the legal and procedural aspects of PEMRA's authority, observing that relevant directives should be issued through the concerned ministry before being communicated to the regulatory authority. She also referred to existing legal provisions, including Section 7 of the relevant Ordinance, restricting formula milk advertisements. Senator Shahzaib Durrani emphasized that formula milk should not be promoted as ordinary milk and that the importance of mother's milk must be clearly communicated to the public. The Council of Islamic Ideology informed the committee that it had submitted a detailed response supporting breastfeeding as essential for children's healthy growth and development. The chairman directed the ministry and PEMRA to ensure full implementation of the relevant Act of Parliament in letter and spirit, adding that the committee would extend support, including assistance in legislation, if required. The committee also examined concerns of Microbiology, Biotechnology and Biochemistry degree holders regarding their exclusion from professional recognition and registration under the Allied Health Professional Council Act, 2022. The meeting was informed that around 20,000 individuals could be affected, while the implementation of regulatory requirements could also have implications for upcoming graduates. Members expressed concern over the suspension and possible loss of jobs of professionals who had obtained their qualifications and were already working in relevant fields before the enforcement of the new requirements. The federal health minister stressed that their educational qualifications, professional experience and employment circumstances must be considered while resolving the matter. The chairman directed the formation of a special committee under Senator Rubina Khalid to examine all aspects and recommend a practical and lasting solution. Senator Rubina Khalid called for the immediate submission of suspension letters and relevant departmental orders, stressing that affected employees should not face further employment difficulties while the matter remained under consideration. The minister proposed forming an accreditation committee to assess the qualifications, professional experience and credit hours of affected individuals, including the possibility of considering a one-year work or experience certificate towards additional academic credit. The committee also discussed the legal status of the relevant notification, revision of existing rules and provision of additional training or courses wherever required. The committee also reviewed concerns regarding changes in infrastructure, specialized equipment and postgraduate training at the Burn Care Centre of the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). The briefing covered reports about the conversion of patient areas into offices and discontinuation of burn surgery training. The concerned official clarified that the centre had not been closed and that additional facilities were being introduced, including 20 beds for burn patients. The committee was informed that the centre had two operation theatres and around 21 postgraduate trainees were currently undergoing training. The meeting also examined shortages of faculty in Basic Medical and Dental Sciences at Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University (SZABMU), particularly in view of regulatory requirements for its 100 BDS seats. The committee was informed that although the university had an approved capacity of 100 students, only 50 were currently enrolled due to infrastructure and faculty-related constraints. Senator Shahzaib Durrani highlighted shortages of professors in key subjects, including Anatomy and Oral Pathology, and questioned delays in filling vacant positions. The federal health minister acknowledged the faculty shortage and assured the committee that existing faculty would be upgraded and additional recruitment completed within 60 days to address the deficiencies and enable the university to utilize its full approved capacity. The chairman directed the ministry to address faculty and infrastructure gaps on a priority basis, emphasizing that administrative shortcomings should not prevent the university from utilizing its approved capacity or compromise the academic standards and future of BDS students. The meeting was attended by Senators Anusha Rehman Ahmed Khan and Shahzaib Durrani, while Senators Samina Mumtaz Zehri and Rahat Jamali participated through video link. The federal health minister and senior officials of the relevant departments also attended.