Hubballi's Jeevamrutha Milk Bank Achieves Milestone in Infant Care
The Jeevamrutha Milk Bank at Karnataka Medical College-Research Institute (KMC-RI) in Hubballi has made significant strides in supporting infant health, recording donations from 7,080 mothers over a two-year period. This initiative has collected an impressive 1,516 litres of breast milk, directly benefiting 2,569 babies, including many preterm infants who require specialized nutrition.
Establishment and Collaboration
Established on April 12, 2024, the milk bank was created with the primary goal of providing nutritious breast milk to infants who are unable to receive milk from their own mothers. It holds the distinction of being the first such bank set up at a government hospital in the region, marking a pivotal development in public healthcare.
The bank was launched at KMC-RI through a collaborative effort involving the Rotary Club of Hubballi Midtown and the Rotary Club of Coppell from the United States. Operating under the Department of Paediatrics, it is staffed by a dedicated team including four nurses, two Group D workers, and one nodal officer, ensuring smooth and efficient operations.
Operational Success and Future Plans
To date, the bank has completed approximately 33 pasteurisation cycles, processing 1,483 litres of milk to ensure safety and quality. Ishwar Hosamani, Director of KMC-RI, highlighted the positive response the bank has received since its inception. He emphasized that donated milk is optimal for infant development and nutrition, noting that the facility is well-equipped with storage equipment provided by the Rotary Club, which maintains milk safely without spoilage.
Hosamani added that donor numbers are increasing daily, and the bank is storing milk on a large scale with plans to expand storage capacity further. Efforts are ongoing to raise awareness among mothers about the bank's importance in boosting immunity for infants, encouraging voluntary donations.
Impact and Personal Stories
The bank's impact is vividly illustrated by personal accounts such as that of Pallavi Chinnur, a mother who gave birth prematurely at eight months. With her infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), she has been donating milk for the past five days. Chinnur explained that donating helps alleviate discomfort common in new mothers who are not feeding their babies directly, while also ensuring her child receives nutritious milk from the bank. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute, noting visible improvements in her infant's health thanks to the Jeevamrutha Milk Bank's resources.
This initiative not only addresses immediate nutritional needs but also fosters a community of support, enhancing healthcare outcomes for vulnerable infants in the region.
