SDA-RF-CH-1.59.pdf
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CH- I
SDA-RF-CH-1.59
Report on meeting regarding IMS Act and appropriate feeding practices
Date: 6th November 2002
Half a day regional seminar on IMS( Infant Milk Substitutes) Act and appropriate
feeding practices was held at Urban health research and training center on 6lh
November between 9.30 am to 2.30 pm. Programme was inaugurated by Justice
N.Venkatachala. Director , Lokayukta. He in his inaugural speech stressed importance
on part of advocates, doctors and other professionals to know more clearly about this
act. Unfortunately many advocates themselves do not know that there is such an act.
He also called upon advocates and doctors to spread the knowledge among common
citizens about this act. Dr. Poornima, editor, Udaya Vani called upon people to adapt
local practices, as they are found to be very appropriate for local culture. But,
unfortunately globalization has entered with profit motivation even to the most natural
maternal act of breastfeeding. It is high time that the entire pro people organizations,
individuals to act against this problem.
After the inaugural session, technical session began with presentation on IMS act by
Dr. Joga Rao. Director, Pegasus Health Law consultants. He explained about the law
that is in force.from August 1993. This act prohibits any type of promotion, distribution
and unethical marketing of infant milk substitutes (Lactogen etc) and prohibits
unethical market practices and promotion of baby foods (Cerelac, Farex etc). He also
mentioned that like in any other products salaries of sales staff should not depend on
their sales. However creating mass awareness about this act including professionals is
the need of the hour. Absolute lack of information about this act, both among
professionals and common citizens, doctors being lured by industry', career oriented
women, etc have led to situation where industry is taking people for a ride. Therefore
appropriate action on all these areas is very' important to overcome this problem.
Later in the second session, Dr. Asha Benakappa, secretary BPNI called upon Doctors
to be ethical when they' prescribe foods to infants. She lamented that professional
doctors are least interested in the issue of breastfeeding. This is because they feel they
know every thing about the breastfeeding. Companies are trying to sell infant milk
substitutes under the garb of infant foods. Medical representatives force doctors to
prescribe by convincing, confusing or corrupting them for their sales promotion.
After this presentation , panel discussion was arranged to discuss on appropriate
action. Panelists included Ms. Hemalatha Mahishi (noted development oriented
advocate), Dr. R. Poornima (Chief Sub editor, Udaya Vani and noted development
journalist) with few other members.
Few salient action points emerged out of the discussion are:
1. Immediate need is to create awareness to as many people as possible about this
act.
2. Details about any erring professionals (Doctors, Medical representatives should
be immediately intimated to BPNl-Bangalore branch).
3. Media should publish about this act as much as possible so as to create
adequate knowledge and awareness among common citizens.
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