KARACHI: The Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) today voiced serious concern and strong opposition to reports suggesting a potential significant tax relief on the import and supply of Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS) in the upcoming federal budget for the fiscal year 2025-26.
The PMA cautioned that such a policy move would have devastating consequences for child health and nutrition in Pakistan, particularly by further undermining the already low rates of exclusive breastfeeding in the country.
“A tax exemption on infant formula would undoubtedly worsen the already precarious situation of child health in Pakistan,” said Dr. Abdul Ghafoor Shoro, Secretary General of PMA. “We cannot afford to compromise the proven, life-saving benefits of breastfeeding by making artificial substitutes more accessible and affordable.”
Pakistan continues to face a disproportionately high burden of child mortality from preventable illnesses — with diarrhea among the leading causes. In 2016 alone, approximately 53,300 children in Pakistan died from diarrhea. Research, including a landmark systematic review by Lamberti et al. (2011), has shown that breastfeeding reduces diarrhea incidence by over 60% in infants aged 0–5 months and also provides vital protection against respiratory infections, otitis media, and other childhood illnesses.
The PMA strongly emphasized that incentivizing the affordability of Breastmilk Substitutes through fiscal relief would directly contradict Pakistan’s national and international commitments. These include:
- The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes (BMS Code)
- World Health Assembly (WHA) Resolutions
- The Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) Strategy
- The Pakistan Breastfeeding Protection Act, 2002
The Association also warned that easing access to BMS, particularly in the absence of robust enforcement of the BMS Code, could lead to misleading marketing practices and unnecessary use, severely undermining ongoing efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding — a cornerstone for child survival and development.
The Pakistan Medical Association urges the Government of Pakistan to:
- Unequivocally reject any tax relief on Breastmilk Substitutes and prevent their positioning as alternatives to breastmilk.
- Maintain or increase the existing Excise Duty on Breastmilk Substitutes to discourage non-medical use and protect public health.
- Prioritize the implementation and enforcement of the BMS Code and breastfeeding protection laws through a transparent, evidence-informed approach aligned with national and global health commitments.
- Strengthen enforcement mechanisms to uphold the rights and health of women and children across Pakistan.
The PMA reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advocating for policies that prioritize breastfeeding and safeguard the health and future of Pakistan’s children
