Fortis launches first pasteurised human milk bank in Delhi

One of India's largest hospital chains Fortis Healthcare launched the first pasteurised human milk bank, "Amaara", in Delhi and the National Capital Region.

The milk bank is a result of a collaboration between Fortis La Femme, a specialised hospital for women and newborns in New Delhi, and the non-profit organisation Breast Milk Foundation (BMF), an official statement said.

"The Amaara Milk Bank at Fortis La Femme is Delhi-NCR's first Milk Bank that will make available pasteurised human milk to infants hospitalised in our neonatal intensive care units as well as those admitted in other hospitals," said Bhavdeep Singh, CEO, Fortis Healthcare, in a statement.

This initiative is aimed at curbing infant mortality rate by providing pre-term babies the best food that they need for survival.

"India faces its own set of unique health challenges, one of them being the high vulnerability associated with pre-term babies who are significantly under-weight," Singh pointed out.

"Providing human breast milk to these fragile neonates can substantially cut the risk of infection and help save their lives," Singh said.