Ahmedabad, May 9 (IANS). A breast milk donation program at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad has helped 451 newborns survive and recover by collecting 434 liters of human milk donated by 2,042 mothers.
‘Maa Vatsalya Milk Bank’ is operational at the 1,200-bed Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad from August 28, 2025. It is designed to nourish premature and seriously ill infants whose mothers are unable to breastfeed them.
The initiative has received support from neonatal care teams working in the intensive care units of the hospital.
Dr. Sucheta Munshi, in-charge of the milk bank, said that breast milk is very important for the development and survival of newborn babies, especially in cases where the condition of the baby is critical.
He said that mother’s milk is like nectar for a newborn baby. Since the facility opened, 2,042 mothers have donated breast milk not only for their own babies, but also for other needy babies. A total of 434 liters of milk has been collected, which has benefited the newborn babies.
Hospital officials said the program has become an important part of neonatal intensive care support, especially for babies who had low birth weight or were born prematurely and required long-term hospitalization.
The hospital cited several cases to show the impact of this initiative.
Manjulaben’s newborn baby had to undergo surgery after suffering from a serious blood infection and intestinal blockage and was hospitalized for 32 days. During this period she donated 24 liters of breast milk.
Krishnaben’s premature and underweight baby needed special care and was discharged after 40 days. During this period he donated 24 liters of milk.
Punitaben gave birth to twins who were born prematurely and in a critical condition. She donated 13 liters of breast milk within the first 40 days and also took care of her children, later both the children recovered.
In another case, Pooja Patel’s baby was born with a weight of 815 grams. She required intensive neonatal care, including surfactant therapy and CPAP support for 12 days in the neonatal intensive care unit.
She continued to provide 10 to 12 hours of ‘kangaroo mother care’ every day as well as express milk for donation. The child was discharged on the 44th day, when his weight was 1.25 kg.
Civil Superintendent Dr. Rakesh Joshi said that this initiative reflects both medical need and social contribution.
He said that this service is not only healthcare support but also a living example of humanity. Due to the efforts of the government and participation of the society, hundreds of children are moving towards a healthy life.
Doctors at the hospital said that breast milk plays an important role in strengthening the immunity of newborns and in their physical and neurological development, especially in the case of babies who are born prematurely, have low birth weight and need special care.
–IANS
ASH/VC
