The shadow of corruption has reached the most unthinkable places, such as the pediatrician's office. Last Friday, twelve Italian pediatricians have been arrested at home for receiving bribes from artificial milk manufacturers in exchange for promoting artificial milk instead of breastfeeding.
According to the Police, the professionals, two of whom were Chiefs of Pediatrics of Italian hospitals, "prescribed formula milk for newborns in exchange for rewards in the form of luxurious gifts and holiday stays." Really a shame.
Is the fault of pediatricians only?
Whoever accepts the bribe is guilty, of course, but And who offers it? The brands of artificial milk will also be responsible, I say. Because it is their business and they want to sell, but never at the expense of the health of the little ones.
It has been known that in Italy the sellers distributed "hundreds of thousands of euros in gifts to doctors of public health if the number of local sales were high. Among the gifts were iPhones, computers, air conditioning systems, televisions, trips to India, United States, Paris, London and Istanbul and luxury cruises. "
Five sales representatives from three different companies and a director have also been arrested. What is not known is whether in some cases the representatives acted alone or if the company was also involved.
Playing with the health of newborns
The pediatricians jumped to the bullfighter the recommendations of the scientists and the World Health Organization itself that advises giving exclusive breastfeeding up to six months of age and supplemented with solid food for at least two years.
A pediatrician is perfectly informed about the indisputable benefits of breastfeeding for children's health, both in terms of protection against diseases, neurological development and of course, emotional aspects. Its mission is to promote the health of the little ones and this includes the promotion of breastfeeding. In this case, they struggled to convince mothers to give artificial milk to their babies instead of offering breastfeeding.
Where are we going to stop if a doctor recommends artificial milk over breast milk? Formula milk is a substitute when breastfeeding is not possible, and it is the pediatrician who should encourage and support the mother to breastfeed her baby.
Do the opposite It is an absolute lack of ethics. As if the doctor recommended us to drink alcohol instead of water because he receives bribes from a brewer. The difference is that mothers trust pediatricians and believe that artificial milk "is not that bad" or worse, they are not adequately informed of the benefits of breast milk. What will be the following?
Does it also happen in Spain?
According to the police, in Italy it is a "common and extended practice". And of course, it immediately makes us think if practices of this type are also carried out in Spain.
What we do know is that there are samples of artificial milk in the consultations, something that is totally unnecessary and also goes against the law. According to ROYAL DECREE 867/2008, which prohibits advertising the so-called "infant formula", which is the starting milk (or type 1).
It is also prohibited for manufacturers or distributors of artificial milk to reach the general public, whether pregnant women, mothers or relatives, products indirectly through health services or health personnel.
I want to believe that it doesn't happen. Or will it not be investigated? At least I hope that mothers are well informed enough to know that breastfeeding is above any artificial preparation and never the other way around. Although recommended by the pediatrician.
