DRAP resists bids to declare breast milk substitutes as food items

ISLAMABAD: The Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) is resisting efforts to reclassify infant formula and breast milk substitutes from therapeutic products to food items, citing legal constraints and the need for stricter regulatory oversight, officials told the Senate Standing Committee on Health on Tuesday.

The Senate panel, chaired by Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, expressed support for DRAP’s stance, affirming that infant formula should remain under DRAP’s regulatory framework rather than being transferred to provincial food authorities.

The committee directed DRAP to ensure that advertisements for infant formula include a clear warning stating that powdered milk is not a substitute for breast milk. The move aims to promote breastfeeding and emphasize the importance of mother’s milk as the optimal source of infant nutrition, ensuring children receive essential nutrients for healthy growth.

The exclusive breastfeeding rate in Pakistan is only 48%, largely due to aggressive marketing by formula milk companies, including promotional campaigns and financial incentives for healthcare professionals, the committee observed.

Members argued that infant formula use has led to increased cases of diarrhea, pneumonia, and other infectious diseases among children, contributing to nutritional deficiencies. Infants are deprived of the essential benefits of mother’s milk, which the World Health Organization (WHO) and health experts recommend as the best source of nutrition for newborns.

DRAP officials informed the committee that ‘efforts were underway’ to reclassify infant formula and breast milk substitutes from therapeutic products to food products under provincial food authorities’ jurisdiction.

However, DRAP has resisted the move, as it would require amendments to the DRAP Act. Until legislative changes are made, breast milk substitutes will remain classified as therapeutic goods under DRAP’s regulatory framework.

The Senate panel also discussed concerns over private medical colleges charging exorbitant fees despite regulatory restrictions. Members criticized private medical colleges, calling them an unchecked “mafia” exploiting students by demanding annual fees as high as Rs3 million.

Senator Palwasha Khan called for immediate reimbursement of excess fees charged in 2024, urging strict compliance with regulations. Senator Humayun Mohmand questioned how private colleges continued imposing excessive fees, despite Senate sub-committee recommendations and Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) regulations.

Senator Amir Chishti directed the PMDC president to take decisive action against private colleges violating fee regulations, emphasizing that the matter had been escalated to the deputy prime minister. He warned that failure to provide financial relief would lead to further legal and regulatory intervention by the Senate Committee.

Committee members also raised concerns over irregularities at Polyclinic Hospital and the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Senator Masroor Ahsan voiced frustration over his mistreatment at Polyclinic, stating that despite filing a complaint, no corrective action was taken.

Officials acknowledged that emergency patient loads at Polyclinic had surged to over 1,000 daily, with only four doctors available. The Special Secretary of Health expressed regret over the situation and assured that measures would be taken to address staff shortages.

Chairman Amir Chishti reprimanded health officials, accusing them of ignoring public grievances. He demanded an immediate review of complaints against hospital administrations, stating that government health institutions must be held accountable.

PMDC officials briefed the committee on planned MDCAT examination reforms under the new PMDC Act. The revised system ensures that no two candidates receive identical question papers, enhancing transparency and fairness.

Additionally, the MDCAT exam will now be conducted on a provincial domicile basis, meaning students must appear for the test in their respective provinces.

Committee members also expressed concerns over irregularities in MDCAT exams, particularly the September 22 exam in interior Sindh. Officials alleged that faculty members of Dow Medical University were involved in misconduct.

In response, PMDC assured the committee that the MDCAT syllabus was being standardized at a national level to address complaints about out-of-syllabus questions.

Furthermore, committee members criticized private medical colleges for charging excessive tuition fees. They urged PMDC to introduce a standardized fee structure.

PMDC officials stated that they were working on a budget proposal, but final directives from the deputy prime minister’s office were awaited before implementation.

Chairman Amir Chishti warned that if fee-related complaints persist next year, PMDC will be held accountable for failing to regulate medical college fees.