TN: GMC Kanyakumari Kickstarts its first breast milk bank

TN:  Government Medical College Hospital, located in Kanyakumari, has started its first breast milk bank in the hospital. Kanyakumari Collector said that this facility will be of great help to many neo-natal patients. Doctors at the hospital's neo-natal department outlined the six stages of the breast milk collection process.

On Thursday, December 07, 2023, Kanyakumari Collector P.N. Sridhar commenced Breast Milk Bank. Speaking to The Hindu, he said that “hospital was functioning on a par with many private hospitals. Both in human resources and in having modern equipment, the hospital excelled since its inception. The success rate of patients getting discharged was proof of the quality and dedication of the doctors and support staff”.

“The presence of the breast milk bank would go a long way in saving neo-natal patients from the region. Excess milk can make a world of difference to fragile infants, and providing such a facility in the public institution showed the government’s commitment”, Mr Sridhar further added.

The doctors of the Neo-Natal Department, led by Dean Prince Payas and other senior officials, mentioned the entire process of comprehensive breastfeeding management. The process involves six steps including examination of the donor mother and milk collection.

Unlike blood banks, breast milk banks will also be of great help to newborns and premature babies, said doctors. Surplus breast milk will also be preserved in the bank for needy children as mother's milk is very important for children up to five years of age as it provides abundant strength and immunity to the children.

Lastly, Collector P.N. Sridhar concludes by urging the public to be generous in donating the organs to those in need as this will provide hope and light to those who need them.