New mothers to undergo breast exams in Egypt to prove they really need baby formula

New mothers will have their breasts examined by the Egyptian government to prove they need baby formula in an attempt to save money.

Women will need to prove they cannot breastfeed before being supplied with subsidised manufactured milk.The Egyptian Health Ministry say they supply around $51m in baby formula per year to help families across the country feed their infants. 

But following a recent 40 percent increase in formula prices, the ministry said this week that it will tighten the criteria to determine who is eligible.

Women who have more than one child, work full-time and suffer health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure will be prioritised – and breast-checking procedures will be brought in.

As of Monday, mothers who want subsidised formula for their children will first be forced to undergo a medical examination and obtain written confirmation from a doctor.

Last Thursday, Egyptian mothers protested baby formula shortages and blocked traffic on a main road in Cairo outside one of the country’s main pharmaceutical companies.

 

Midddleeasteye.net