Mandya hospital breast milk bank remains idle 4 months after inauguration

Mandya: A breast milk bank established at Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) at a cost of ₹25 lakh has remained non-functional even four months after its inauguration, despite the facility having basic infrastructure.

The initiative was taken by Mandya Zilla Panchayat CEO K.R. Nandini to provide breast milk to newborns deprived of maternal feeding. However, the facility is awaiting three key pieces of equipment a pasteuriser, vertical laminar unit and deep freezer.

An estimated ₹36 lakh is required to procure the equipment, which can enable safe storage of breast milk for up to six months. The delay in releasing the required funds has kept the facility from becoming operational.

Around 250 newborns are admitted to MIMS every month, and between 30 and 60 babies reportedly face a shortage of breast milk. The proposed facility could provide vital support to such infants, particularly those whose mothers are unable to breastfeed.The milk bank building and basic infrastructure are reportedly ready, but the absence of essential equipment has stalled the project.

Officials and stakeholders have urged the state government to release the required funds without further delay and ensure that the facility is made functional.The initiative was aimed at converting resources usually spent on awareness activities and publicity into a long-term healthcare facility for

newborns. With the infrastructure already in place, early government intervention could help the milk bank begin services and benefit dozens of infants every month.

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The Hans India