Doctors bat for promoting breastfeeding practices
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 07 2024: In line with the global campaign, World Breastfeeding Week observed by BABINA Hospital at its Khabeisoi premises on Wednesday with the stated objective to inform, anchor, engage, and galvanise action on breastfeeding and related issues.

The observance organised jointly by Breastfeeding Promotion Alliance of Manipur (BPAM), a conglomerate of Paediatric Association Manipur (PAM); Indian Medical Association (IMA), Manipur State Branch, Imphal Obstetric & Gynaecological Society (IOGS), and the Trained Nurses Association of India (TNAI), Manipur State Branch was attended by BABINA Hospital chairman and managing director Dr Th Dhabali, and BPAM president Dr A Ibotombi Sharma as chief guest and president respectively while BABINA Hospital medical superintendent Dr Shyamkumar Laishram and PAM secretary Dr Basanta Longjam were guests of honour.

Mother's Care Children Hospital managing director Dr Kh Ratankumar also attended as a special guest while RIMS senior resident Dr L Radhapyari was the resource person.

In his address, Dr Dhabali highlighted the extended nine-day observance of World Breastfeeding Week in the state and underscored the benefit of breastfeeding to babies, mothers, and society.

Noting decline in breastfeeding in Manipur compared to the national level, he called for reversing such a disturbing trend by cauSing awareness.

In their speeches, Dr Ibotombi Sharma acknowledged BPAM's efforts in raising breastfeeding awareness and contributing to the maintaining the momentum regardless of its decline over the years as Dr Shyamkumar pointed out the increasing trend of breastfeeding in the United States owing to its potential to prevent non-communicable diseases.

He also mentioned that BABINA Hospital will implement Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) to support breastfeeding practices.

Meanwhile, Dr Basanta Longjam emphasised that the observance serves as a reminder on the importance and benefits of breastfeeding and proposed breastfeeding rooms in all hospitals.

Over 45 participants, including staff and doctors from BABINA Hospital, attended the event.

Mention may be made that in 2018, World Health Assembly endorsed World Breastfeeding Week as a crucial health promotion strategy.

Each year, it focuses on creating supportive environments for breastfeeding, including community and workplace support, adequate protections in government policies and laws, and sharing information on breastfeeding benefits and strategies.

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