HYDERABAD, Oct 27: The Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA) is considering introduction of a code of ethics for paediatrics in the country to protect patients’ interests and promote breast feeding which is on decline because of aggressive marketing of infant formula milk.

These issues were discussed by the PPA at its recent meeting here following conclusion of a workshop on “Update of common paediatric problem”.

PPA vice-chairperson Professor Dr Salma Shaikh told Dawn that the association wants enforcement of code of ethics for pharmaceutical companies and paediatrics. She strongly opposed promotion of powder milk which has flooded the market at the cost of breast feeding.

She said that mothers should prefer breast feeding for two years. “For six years the baby should be kept on breast feeding while thereafter breast feeding coupled with diet should also continue for two years”, proposed Prof. Dr. Salma.

She said that meeting also discussed the fact that some pharmaceutical companies individually approach paediatrics for luring them on the basis of different perks and privileges so that they should prescribe powder milk. “A normal powder milk tin is sold for Rs400 and we have an average family of four to five persons. If a child is prescribed infant formula for 4-5 months how would family head be able to take care of the expenses to be incurred on it”, she said.

Resultantly, she said, such parents then start diluting the power to cater to needs of other children as well which ultimately leads to malnutrition of children. She stated that given present price-hike a low income group family could hardly afford such luxury which is not serving any purpose also.

She said that breast feeding is so important that it lessens chances of other ailments. That’s why, she said, PPA is actively considering to formulate a code of ethics for paediatrics who are members of PPA so that they should abide by it and always protect patients’ interests.

The committee which would work on proposed code of ethics comprises PPA president Abdul Hameed Khan, Dr Mahar Taj Roghni (Peshawar), Dr Salma and Dr M. A. Arif, PPA Secretary General Dr Tariq Bhutta and Dr.Javaria Manan (Punjab), Dr Amir Dawood and Dr Yusuf Pervez (Balochistan) to formulate proposals. It would be presented in the next meeting scheduled for November 8 and then further progress would be made on it before it takes a final shape.

“The issue of unregistered companies’ drugs has become alarming for paediatrics and government needs to put its foot down”, Dr.Salma added. She said that patients, who approached her from interior Sindh normally have prescription of those companies which are not known to her. She said that PPA in its meeting noted that Drug Act should be examined and then government should be approached for action against unregistered companies which seemed to be operating in homes.

She said that paediatrics should give thought while prescribing drugs that these should meet the standard criteria of drugs, safe and economical as well. She said that association intended to ensure a proper rapport between patients and doctors on the basis of proposed code.

Dr Arif said that PPP really feels there should be an honest and transparent dealing between patients and their physicians.