Formula Milk Becomes Economic Burden, Says Minister; Urges Mothers to Promote Breastfeeding

ISLAMABAD: Minister of State for National Health Services Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad Bharth has warned that the excessive use of formula milk in Pakistan is not only harming infant health but also burdening the national economy.

Speaking at a seminar in Islamabad, Dr. Bharth emphasized the urgent need to promote breastfeeding across the country. He said the government is committed to raising awareness, strengthening legislation, and regulating the marketing of formula milk products.

“Mother’s milk is the best source of nutrition for infants,” he reiterated, adding that parliamentarians must also be sensitized to the issue to help enact effective laws encouraging breastfeeding practices.

Dr. Bharth announced that the government plans to launch a nationwide awareness campaign targeting women to promote breastfeeding and discourage unnecessary reliance on commercial baby formulas.

Health experts and officials revealed that Pakistan spends **over Rs110 billion annually** on formula milk and baby food. Weak breastfeeding practices have both health and economic consequences.

According to the **World Health Organization (WHO)**, poor breastfeeding habits contribute to nearly **50% of infant deaths**, most of which are caused by preventable diseases such as diarrhea and pneumonia.

Economically, the heavy use of formula milk, combined with related child illnesses, medical expenses, and parental unawareness, costs Pakistan an estimated **$2.8 billion annually**.

The minister underscored that improving breastfeeding practices could significantly enhance child health and reduce the financial burden on families and the national economy.