Punjab made history with the launch of its first Human Milk Bank (Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre) at Dr B R Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Mohali, with the support of Rotary Club of Chandigarh. The World President of Rotary International, Dr. Gorden R. McInally, inaugurated the state’s first Human Milk Bank in Mohali. Dr. Gordon R. McInally commended Rotary’s efforts in establishing this Center, which also supports Rotary’s commitment to empower women, improving their health and well-being, by protecting their children.
Dr. Avnish, Director of Research and Medical Education Punjab, endorsed and appreciated the efforts of Rotarians for expediting the setting up of the plant by providing financial support of nearly Rs 38 lakh to buy vital equipment for the plant. This support will help women provide the best possible nutrition to their newborns through this human milk bank, demonstrating an example of a Public Private Partnership. S. Kuljit Singh, MLA Dera Bassi, also attended the function and appreciated the efforts made.
AIMS Director-Principal Dr. Bhavneet Bharti informed that, at the initiative of the Past President of Rotary International Mr. Rajender Saboo, President Rtn Anil Chadda, and Rtn. Abha Sharma, Director Special Projects, an MoU was signed in July last year with the Rotary Club of Chandigarh for setting up this unique facility in Punjab. Also called the Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre (CLMC), the Human Milk Bank is a vital health facility that offers lactation support and management for all mothers within the hospital, said Dr. Bharti. She mentioned that the Centre has facilities for the collection, screening, processing, storage, and dispensing of donated human milk for babies without access to their mother’s milk and the expression and storage of the mother’s own breast milk for consumption by her baby.
Former World President of Rotary International Rajendra K. Saboo was also present on the occasion, stating that this project symbolizes Rotary’s theme given by Dr. McInally, “Create Hope in the World.” A senior Rotarian and past district governor, Subhash Garg, owner of Ruchira Papers Limited in Yamunanagar, was felicitated for providing Rs. 31 lakh from CSR funds to make this project possible.
Dr. Bhavneet Bharti informed that this is the first milk bank to be operationalized in Punjab. AIMS Mohali is proud to be at the forefront of this groundbreaking initiative, the establishment of the First Human Milk Bank in the city.
There is a dire need for human milk, especially for preterm babies (born before 37 weeks of gestation), and their estimated global prevalence is 9.9 percent, translating to 13.4 million preterm live births in the world. In this region, similar requirements exist because, as per a study, 10 to 20 percent of the babies in the NICU [neonatal intensive care unit] may require donor human milk, Dr. Bharti said. The milk is obtained from lactating mothers voluntarily, which will be stored, pasteurized, and preserved. It was emphasized that this would be accomplished with a state-of-the-art facility, including firsthand knowledge of advanced technology and stringent protocols in place to guarantee the highest standards of safety and quality.
Abha, Director, Special Projects, and President Rotary Club Chandigarh 2025-26 also acknowledged the setting up of the first Human Milk Bank as a momentous occasion and said it will play a vital role in amplifying awareness about the importance of human milk donation and its transformative impact on infant healthcare.
Aashika Jain, DC Mohali, lauded this landmark initiative that underscores the commitment to advancing maternal and infant healthcare in the state of Punjab. Prof ON Bhakoo, former Head of the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology, also known as the father of neonatology, appreciated the efforts made in setting up a Comprehensive Lactation Management Center in true spirit. The function was attended by many senior officials, SMO DH Mohali Dr. HS Cheema, Senior Rotarians, President of Human Milk Banking Association Mr. Rajender Gulati, President IAP Chandigarh Chapter, Sahibzada Academy of Pediatrics Mohali, Senior Pediatricians, and other dignitaries.