KARACHI: The Pakistan Paediatric Association (PPA) has called for urgent reforms in the national immunisation programme, emphasising the need to extend the age limit for childhood vaccinations from two to five years.
It also urged the inclusion of advanced vaccines such as the hexavalent vaccine to ensure broader protection for children against life-threatening diseases.
The proposals came during the meeting of PPA delegates led by Dr Khalid Shafi with Federal Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal on Saturday.
A statement issued after the meeting said that the PPA delegation highlighted that the current practice of ending routine immunisation at the age of two leaves many children vulnerable in their early developmental years.
`By extending the coverage up to age five and adopting modern vaccines, the government can significantly reduce preventable childhood illnesses and improve long-term health outcomes,` said the statement quoting the PPA delegates.
Another major issue discussed during the meeting was the Breastfeeding Promotion Law, aimed at curbing the marketing and sale of breastmilk substitutes and reinforcing the importance of breastfeeding.
`The delegation informed the minister that the bill has already passed through the Senate and is under review in the National Assembly, while provincial efforts are also underway,` added the statement.
They urged the government to ensure the swift passage of the law to safeguard infant health.
Additionally, the PPA recommended that breastmilk substitutes be regulated by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) rather than the Food Authority, since such products are often prescribed based on medical needs and therefore require oversight from a medical regulatory body.
The delegation also raised concerns about the lack of availability of certain rare but essential paediatric medicines in Pakistan.
They called on DRAP to expedite the approval process for these drugs and establish a streamlined import and distribution mechanism to guarantee their availability when needed.
The PPA delegates, the statement said, acknowledged and praised Minister Mustafa Kamal`s leadership and commitment to improving the national healthcare system.
Mr. Kamal assured the delegation that the government is fully committed to enhancing child health services and would give due consideration to all their recommendations for immediate action.