In a decisive move to streamline regulatory oversight, the federal government has transferred the responsibility of regulating infant formula milk from the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) to provincial food departments. This decision, finalized after extensive deliberations within the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) and the Board of Investment (BOI), aims to resolve the longstanding jurisdictional ambiguities between federal and provincial bodies.

DRAP officials informed the Senate Standing Committee on National Health Services, Regulations, and Coordination that amendments to relevant laws have been vetted by the Law and Justice Division and are pending final approval from the Cabinet Committee for Legislative Cases (CCLC).

Previously, under the DRAP Act of 2012 and the Alternative Medicines and Health Products (Enlistment) Rules of 2014, infant formula and baby food were categorized as Health and Over-The-Counter (OTC) products. However, overlapping jurisdictions led to enforcement inefficiencies. The new policy delineates that all baby milk and infant food products intended for general consumption will now fall under the purview of provincial food authorities. DRAP will retain regulatory control over products specifically formulated for medical needs.

This shift raises concerns among health experts about the potential implications for infant nutrition standards. With Pakistan’s exclusive breastfeeding rate at a low 48%, the increased reliance on formula milk has been linked to a rise in infant diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia, and malnutrition.

The Senate Committee plans to revisit the issue in a forthcoming in-camera session to discuss its broader implications on public health and consumer protection. As the regulatory landscape evolves, stakeholders emphasize the need for stringent oversight to ensure the safety and quality of infant nutrition products across the country.