SW Dept, Shija observe World Breastfeeding Week
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, August 06 2023: The Social Welfare Department organised an awareness programme cum observance of World Breastfeeding Week, 2023 on the theme "Enabling breastfeeding: Making a difference for working parents" at the relief camp opened at Youth Hostel, Khuman Lampak on Sunday.

The observance was attended by Social Welfare director Ng Uttam as chief guest, ICDS joint director Bunty Konthoujam as president and Shija Hospitals child specialist consultant Dr Minakshi Moirangthem as guest of honour.

In their addresses, Director Uttam stressed the need for pregnant and lactating mothers to maintain a balanced diet for good health of new-borns and unborn babies as Dr Minakshi explained about the benefits of breastfeeding.

During the programme, around 12 lactating mothers and 27 pregnant women were presented with gifts by the Department.

Shija Hospitals & Research Institute also conducted a one-day awareness programme in connection with observance of World Breastfeeding Week held on the same theme at Shija Auditorium, Langol on Sunday.

The event was organised in partnership with multiple organisations, including Breastfeeding Promotion Alliance of Manipur (BPAM), Indian Medical Association-Manipur State Branch (IMA-MSB), World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), Imphal Obstetrics & Gynaecological Society (IOGS), Paediatric Association of Manipur (PAM) and the Trained Nurses' Association of India (TNAI).

Shija Hospitals CMD Dr Palin Khundongbam, PAM president & JNIMS Paediatrics HOD Prof N Kameshwar, and BPAM president & Raj medicity MS Dr Aribam Ibotombi Sharma attended the event as chief guest, guest of honour and president respectively.

Both clinical and non clinical staff from Shija Hospitals also participated in the programme, including tutors from Shija Academy of Nursing and Shija Paramedical Research Academy.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Palin highlighted the importance of supporting and facilitating breastfeeding among working mothers and fathers, which ultimately contributes to a healthier and more balanced work-life experience.

He further stated that elevating the work conditions for female employees of Shija Hospitals is projected to not only enhance their job satisfaction but also contribute to more satisfaction among the patients.

BPAM founder member and Imphal Hospital Paediatrician consultant Dr Laishram Shyamkumar Singh underscored the importance and benefits of breastfeeding; while Dr Aribam Ibotombi Sharma highlighted the correlation between breastfeeding and Intelligence Quotient (IQ) of children.

He strongly advocated for breastfeeding to enhance child development.

According to a release, Shija Hospitals firmly believes in empowering working parents with the right information and support that will positively impact families and the community at large.

With the recent NABH Accreditation to Shija Hospitals, it is planning to expand the creche facility on its campus, offering a safe environment for the children of working parents and to not only boost both mother and child's health but also cultivate a strong bond between them.

The hospital also provides a maximum of 26 weeks paid leave to the ESIC insured women.

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