‘Need for developing breastfeeding-friendly hospitals’
Srinagar, Aug 6 : There is an urgent need of developing all hospitals and healthcare centres under Breastfeeding Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) so that lactating mothers optimally feed their babies during hospital stays and visits, says a senior doctor here.
At a workshop conducted at urban primary health centre, Nishat, Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan who is also president of J&K state chapter of Indian public health association IPHA), raised the proposal to move focus on mother and childcare as he took part at a lecture on Saturday.
The lecture was organised by Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College Srinagar through Block medical officer, Hazratbal under the aegis of J&K chapter of IPHA.
During the lecture cum demonstration educational and counseling workshop on the occasion of ‘World Breastfeeding Week’ celebrated globally from August 1-7 every year, Prof. Samia Rashid, Principal and Dean, Government Medical College Srinagar who stressed for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months which helps in optimal growth and development of babies which helps in further reduction of infant mortality rate.
Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan, head of the department, Community Medicine presented the key note address emphasising enhanced awareness of expected mothers during their ante-natal visits to hospitals and during post natal visits to lactating mothers.
The training session was attended by doctors, health workers, ASHAs and lactating mothers.
There’s an urgent need of developing all hospitals and healthcare centres under Breastfeeding Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) so that lactating mothers optimally feed their babies during hospital stays and visits, said Dr. S. Muhammad Salim Khan who is also president of J&K state chapter of Indian public health association.