First breast milk bank of Northeast India comes up in Guwahati

Dec. 10: In a unique move, a human milk bank, the first of its kind in Northeast India has come up in Guwahati. This human milk bank was inaugurated at the Satribari Christian Hospital in Guwahati to store pasteurized breast milk. It is the fifteenth human milk bank in India and has the capacity to store human milk for up to six years. This unique milk bank started its operation on 9 December, 2020.

Dr. Devajit Kumar Sarma, pediatric and neonatal intensivist at the Satribari Christian Hospital said, “Breast milk is the best food for newborn babies. To bring down cases of neonatal mortality and mortality below 5 years of age, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, starting within the first hour of birth is recommended.” Dr. Sharma expressed his gratitude towards the Rotary Club, district 5240 USA, and especially towards Dr. Debasish Das, former governor of the Rotary Club district 3240, for their support in establishing the same with a donation of Rs. 10 lakh.

Stored breast milk from milk banks becomes the best option for such infants who does not not get enough milk in the first few days, as the mother could be sick, have some infectious disease or not produce enough milk.