A first, govt-run milk bank comes up at Rohtak PGIMS

In a step toward enhancing neonatal care, a human milk bank has been established at Pt BD Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, in collaboration with the National Health Mission (NHM). Being claimed to be the first of its kind in a government institution in the state, the facility will provide pasteurised donor breast milk to premature and critically ill newborns whose mothers are unable to breastfeed.

The project, set up at a cost of Rs 40 lakh, is equipped with specialised medical-grade equipment to safely collect, process, store, and dispense breast milk. The equipment includes pumps, pasteurisers, deep freezers, sterilisers, milk analyser, and a labelling and tracking system to ensure hygienic handling.

“Breast milk is essential for a newborn’s survival and development. It contains the ideal mix of nutrients, antibodies, and enzymes that help boost immunity, reduce disease risk, and support brain growth. In cases where mothers are unable to produce enough milk, donor milk becomes vital,” said Prof HK Aggarwal, Vice-Chancellor, University of Health Sciences, Rohtak (UHSR).

The PGIMS records a large number of premature and underweight babies, and many mothers initially struggle with lactation. “Earlier, we had to rely on milk from other sources, which was not as beneficial. Now, with this facility, we can ensure safe and nutritious feeding for vulnerable infants,” he said, adding that mothers with excess milk, or those whose babies were in NICU and not taking feeds, were donating milk. Milk could be stored at -20°C for up to six months.

Dr Jagjit Dalal, Head of the Department, Neonatology, said the milk bank was currently operating on a trial basis, and additional equipment would be added in the coming days.

“Today, the VC visited the facility to inspect the services and also interacted with donor mothers,” he said.

Dr SK Singhal, PGIMS Director, said the facility would help in reducing neonatal mortality and save money by shortening the duration of hospital stay of newborns.

Dr. Virendra Yadav, Director of the NHM, Haryana, said, “The NHM is committed to scaling up such essential healthcare services in other government medical institutions as well.”