Mandya Aims for March 8 Inauguration of Mothers' Milk Bank & Lab Unit
Mandya's Milk Bank & MLCU Target March 8 Opening

In a significant push for healthcare infrastructure, the Mandya district administration has set a strict deadline to complete two crucial medical facilities. Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Nandini KR has directed engineers to finish constructing a proposed Mothers' Milk Bank and a Medical Laboratory Communication Unit (MLCU) on the premises of the Mandya District Hospital by the end of January.

Deadlines and Directives for Timely Completion

Chairing a review meeting on Tuesday, CEO Nandini issued clear instructions to the Panchayat Raj Engineering Division. She emphasized that the construction of both projects must be wrapped up swiftly to allow for their grand inauguration on March 8, which is celebrated globally as International Women's Day. This symbolic date underscores the project's focus on women's and children's health.

Nandini assured officials that sufficient funds have already been sanctioned under various government schemes. She stressed the imperative of executing high-quality work while strictly adhering to the allocated budget. To ensure transparency and efficiency, she instructed the concerned authorities to expedite all tender procedures and begin the physical construction work without any further delay.

Procurement and Quality Monitoring

The CEO provided specifics on the equipment procurement for the Mothers' Milk Bank. She revealed that some of the essential machinery will be supplied directly under the National Health Mission (NHM). The remaining equipment required for the facility must be acquired through a transparent and competitive tender process.

Nandini has mandated officials from the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) and the District Health Office (DHO) to maintain close and continuous oversight of the construction progress. She explicitly stated that there should be no compromise on the quality of work at any stage. For technical expertise, the Astrika Foundation will provide guidance for both the construction and the subsequent maintenance of the Milk Bank and the MLCU.

Building Public Awareness

Beyond construction, plans are also in motion to educate the public about the importance of these new facilities. The CEO has instructed officials to set up an information stall at the upcoming Fruit and Flower Show in Mandya. This stall will play a vital role in creating awareness among citizens about the critical significance of mother's milk and the life-saving role a Mothers' Milk Bank can play for vulnerable newborns.

The combined effort aims not only to meet infrastructure deadlines but also to ensure the community understands and utilizes these vital health resources once they become operational on International Women's Day.