Islamabad( The COW News Digital)Pakistan’s Minister of State for National Health Services, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharth, has warned that the growing reliance on infant formula milk is not only affecting child health but also placing a heavy burden on the national economy.
Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad, Dr. Bharth highlighted that Pakistan imports and consumes over Rs 110 billion worth of formula milk and baby food annually, a figure he described as alarming for a developing economy already struggling with inflation and a widening trade deficit.
He stressed the urgent need to promote mother’s milk as the healthiest and most economical option for infants. “Breastfeeding is not just a nutritional choice; it’s an economic necessity,” he said, emphasizing that the government is committed to strengthening legislation, raising public awareness, and regulating formula milk marketing practices.
The minister added that parliamentarians must be sensitized about the broader health and fiscal consequences of formula milk dependency. “We need to restore the culture of breastfeeding in our homes and hospitals,” he urged, announcing plans for a nationwide awareness campaign targeting mothers and families.
Health experts at the seminar echoed the minister’s concerns, citing data from the World Health Organization (WHO) showing that inadequate breastfeeding contributes to nearly 50% of infant deaths, primarily due to diarrheal diseases and pneumonia.
Economically, the issue goes far beyond import bills. According to official estimates, Pakistan loses approximately $2.8 billion annually due to formula milk-related health complications, treatment costs, and productivity losses among parents. Experts argue that investing in breastfeeding awareness and maternal health could yield significant savings and improve national well-being.
Dr. Bharth reiterated the government’s determination to tighten regulations on the marketing of formula milk and ensure the implementation of baby-friendly policies in hospitals. “Children’s health must not be compromised for commercial gain,” he said, adding that mothers need both social and institutional support to breastfeed their infants successfully.
As Pakistan faces economic and public health challenges, policymakers believe that reviving breastfeeding practices could serve as a low-cost, high-impact intervention — one that protects infants and relieves pressure on national finances alike.
