In yet another milestone towards strengthening maternal and newborn health, Rotary Club Chandigarh, handed over a dedicated Breastfeeding Promotion and Human Milk Collection Van to the "Ashneer" Human Milk Bank and Comprehensive Lactation Management Centre (CLMC) at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Mohali on 29th June 2026.
District Governor (RID 3080) Rtn. Ravi Prakash and Past Rotary International President Raja Saboo and Usha Saboo attended the event.
The Rotary Club of Chandigarh's initiative had been made possible by active guidance and support of PDG Madhukar Malhotra, international funding facilitated by PP Hassan Mejie, Director, Special Projects, Rtn. Anil Chaddha, and Rtn. Dr. Bhavneet Bharti, former Director AIMS, Mohali.
Earlier in 2024, Rotary Club Chandigarh had helped establish, 'Ashneer' Human Milk Bank in AIMS Mohali with the funding from Ruchira Papers Ltd. Yamunanagar.
The Human Milk Bank is Punjab's first comprehensive CLMC for providing lifesaving pasteurized donor human milk to vulnerable newborns.
The van shall facilitate collection of human milk from adjoining areas, villages, rural health centres, and wouild be promoting optimal breastfeeding practices, said President Abha Sharma Joshi.
An MoU has also been signed between AIMS Mohali and Rotary Club Chandigarh to strengthen breastfeeding promotion, donor human milk collection, community outreach, research, and advocacy, she added.
The initiative has further received valuable international support through the efforts of Past District Governor Rtn. Madhukar Malhotra and Past President Rtn. Hassan Mejie, who mobilized assistance from Rotary International clubs in the United Kingdom and Italy.
The primary international support partner is the Rotary Club of Canton, USA, where Rtn. Anu Narula initiated support from her club and her Rotary District for this important maternal and child health initiative.
Since its establishment, the Human Milk Bank at AIMS Mohali has collected breast milk from over 1600 donor mothers and provided it to more than 350 premature and sick newborns receiving care at the hospital.
