PESHAWAR: Due to the tense situation in the Middle East and the closure of air flights, the prices of various medicines and vaccines have increased significantly in the country.
According to market sources, the prices of different types of insulin have been increased by 500 to 2500 rupees, while the prices of some vaccines and medicines coming from abroad have increased by 1000 to 10 thousand rupees.
Similarly, the prices of imported baby milk cartons have also increased by 500 to 1500 rupees. Sources say that due to supply disruption from foreign countries, the prices of old stock have also been increased.
According to a report by the World Health Organization (WHO), almost half of all infant deaths in Pakistan are due to insufficient or poor breastfeeding. Babies who drink formula milk are at increased risk of diarrhea, pneumonia and other treatable diseases, which kills about 100,000 children every year.
According to experts, non-breastfeeding costs Pakistan about $2.8 billion annually in health problems, medical expenses, and delayed mental and physical development of children. Dr. Mukhtar Bharath said, “We as a nation must accept that no formula milk can replace breast milk.”
He stressed that the government, medical institutions, and the public should work together to promote breast milk so that the coming generation can have a healthy future.
Read also: Pakistan loses $2.8 billion annually due to non-breastfeeding mothers
