Pelanggaran Pemasaran Susu Formula untuk Bayi Usia 0-6 Bulan, Dokter dan Bidan Diduga Terlibat!

Summary

Kompas' investigation uncovers illegal practices in the marketing and distribution of infant formula for babies under 6 months in Indonesia. Medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and midwives, are allegedly involved in promoting formula without medical justification, despite regulations restricting its use to specific medical conditions. The investigation highlights the high consumption of formula and the need for exclusive breastfeeding. Health experts call for stricter oversight, better education for healthcare workers, and adherence to ethical standards to prevent further violations and prioritize infant health through breastfeeding.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kompas investigation revealed that medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and midwives, are allegedly involved in the promotion of formula milk for babies aged 0-6 months, which is against regulations unless medically indicated.
• 😀 In 2021, about 4.4 million babies were born in Indonesia, with 1.2 million (28.4%) not receiving breast milk, leading to an increase in formula milk consumption.
• 😀 The Indonesian Ministry of Health's regulation (Permenkes 15/2014) prohibits formula milk for infants under six months, except in specific medical situations, such as when the mother is unable to breastfeed.
• 😀 Investigators found that formula milk agents were offering discounts to doctors, and hospitals were providing formula milk to infants without proper medical indications.
• 😀 Some hospitals were reported to have separate rooms for mothers and babies, which interfered with the ability to breastfeed and promoted formula milk usage.
• 😀 The World Health Organization (WHO) supports exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to 6 months due to its importance for brain and physical development.
• 😀 The Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI) emphasizes the importance of doctors making informed, evidence-based decisions when recommending formula milk.
• 😀 There is a lack of awareness and understanding among some healthcare providers regarding the proper guidelines for formula milk use, contributing to unethical practices.
• 😀 The investigation found incidents where doctors attended promotional events for formula milk, which is a violation of medical ethics in Indonesia.
• 😀 IDAI is conducting ongoing internal investigations into the practices of its members and will take appropriate actions, including ethical reviews, if violations are confirmed.

Q & A

What was the main issue investigated by Kompas Daily regarding formula milk?

The main issue was the alleged illegal marketing and distribution of formula milk for babies aged 0 to 6 months, which violated regulations set by medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and midwives at hospitals.

What percentage of babies in Indonesia were found not to receive breast milk according to the investigation?

According to the investigation, around 28.4% of babies, or approximately 1.2 million out of 4.4 million born in 2021, did not receive breast milk.

What does the Minister of Health Regulation No. 15 of 2014 state about the use of formula milk?

The regulation explicitly prohibits the use of formula milk for babies aged 0 to 6 months unless there is a medical indication for it.

What unethical practices did Kompas uncover involving healthcare professionals and formula milk?

Kompas uncovered that healthcare professionals, including doctors and midwives, were allegedly involved in marketing formula milk to parents and encouraging them to use it for babies without medical necessity.

How do formula milk companies reportedly influence healthcare professionals?

Formula milk companies were found to offer discounts to doctors and other healthcare providers, and even sponsored promotional events to encourage them to recommend formula milk to parents of infants.

What did the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend regarding breastfeeding?

The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for infants up to six months of age, as it is crucial for the baby's brain development and physical growth.

What specific ethical violations were found among pediatricians according to the investigation?

The investigation revealed that pediatricians had attended promotional events sponsored by formula milk companies, which violated ethical guidelines and professional conduct standards.

What is the role of the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) in this issue?

IDAI is responsible for educating and guiding its members about the ethical guidelines regarding formula milk use, as well as conducting internal investigations into allegations of misconduct by its members.

How does the separation of mother and baby rooms impact breastfeeding according to the findings?

The separation of mother and baby rooms in hospitals, as reported in some regions like Medan and Central Java, hinders the process of breastfeeding and may lead to formula milk being given to infants unnecessarily.

What steps are being taken to address the formula milk violations and unethical practices?

IDAI and other health organizations are conducting internal investigations, providing continuous education on breastfeeding, and implementing measures to strengthen ethical practices in hospitals to prevent the marketing of formula milk without medical justification.