In a first in Odisha, the Capital Hospital here has inaugurated a human milk bank at its paediatric unit.
This is the 34th Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre (CLMC) in the country. The initiative by the National Health Mission (NHM) will cater to the needs of several newborns across the State.
Capital Hospital Director Dr Laxmidhar Sahu said the bank would store mother’s milk, which would be supplied to hospitals across the State if the need arises.
“Many mothers fail to breastfeed their newborn babies for the initial few weeks due to various reasons, including their poor health and delivery-related issues. In such a situation, the newborn suffers. This human milk bank will come as a great help for such mothers,” he said.
Mothers, who have excess milk, can donate their milk to this bank, Dr Sahu said.
On the inaugural day, two mothers donated their milk to the bank. Among others, Health Director Bijay Mohapatra and hospital Deputy Superintendent Dr Dhananjay Das were present.