Kerala Welcomes Third Human Milk Bank: A Lifeline for Vulnerable Newborns at SAT Hospital

Kerala is making significant strides in infant healthcare with the inauguration of its third state-of-the-art human milk bank (HMB) at the prestigious SAT Hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. This heartwarming initiative, unveiled by Health Minister Veena George, marks another pivotal step towards ensuring every newborn receives the unparalleled benefits of breast milk, especially those most vulnerable.

The establishment of this new HMB is a beacon of hope for countless families.

It serves as a lifeline for premature babies, infants with low birth weight, and those whose mothers are unable to breastfeed due to illness, medication, or tragic circumstances like their passing. For these delicate newborns, access to pasteurised donor milk is not just nutrition; it's a critical component for healthy development, providing essential antibodies and nutrients that save lives and foster stronger immune systems.

Minister Veena George emphasized the profound importance of breast milk in reducing infant mortality rates and improving overall child health.

She reiterated the state government's unwavering commitment to providing the best possible care for its youngest citizens, highlighting how facilities like the human milk bank are integral to achieving these ambitious public health goals.

This commendable project is a result of a powerful collaboration between the state health department, the National Health Mission (NHM), and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP).

Their combined expertise and dedication have brought this vital service to fruition. Generous support from Rotary International and various other non-governmental organizations has also played a crucial role in funding and establishing this essential infrastructure.

The process at the human milk bank is meticulously designed to ensure safety and efficacy.

Lactating mothers, after thorough screening, can donate their surplus milk. This milk then undergoes a stringent pasteurisation process to eliminate any potential pathogens while preserving its vital nutritional and immunological properties. Once processed, the milk is safely stored and thoughtfully dispensed to newborns in need, adhering to the highest medical standards.

Prior to this, Kerala had already witnessed the success of two other human milk banks: the first at Ernakulam General Hospital and the second at Jubilee Mission Medical College in Thrissur.

The addition of the SAT Hospital facility further strengthens the state's network, expanding access to this invaluable resource across regions and reinforcing Kerala's position as a leader in infant healthcare.

The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of several dignitaries, including Mayor Arya Rajendran, MLA Kadakampally Surendran, Health Secretary Dr.

Rajan N Khobragade, NHM State Mission Director Anu Kumari, DME Dr. Thomas Mathew, IAP State President Dr. G. S. Indulal, and other senior officials. Their collective presence underscored the widespread support and strategic importance of this initiative.

With the new human milk bank at SAT Hospital, Kerala is not just providing milk; it's nurturing future generations, offering a foundation of health and well-being that will resonate for years to come.

This is truly a celebration of life and community care.