Human milk bank-A lifeline for vulnerable infants in India

August 18, 2026 admin Blog 0

Dr Biprajit Baidya
Dr Arunava Nath

Human milk banking is a vital service that provides pasteurized donor human milk to vulnerable infants, particularly those born prematurely, with low birth weight, or suffering from life-threatening conditions. In India, where infant mortality rates remain high, human milk banks play a crucial role in promoting infant health and survival.

Background
The concept of human milk banking originated in the 20th century, with the first milk bank established in Vienna in 1909.[1] Since then, milk banking has evolved into a sophisticated system, with over 500 milk banks operating globally.[2] In India, the first human milk bank was established in 1989 at the Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital (also known as Sion Hospital) in Mumbai.[3]

Benefits of Human Milk Banking

  1. Improved Infant Survival: Donor human milk has been shown to reduce infant mortality rates by 50-75% among vulnerable populations.[4]
  2. Enhanced Gut Health: Human milk contains unique oligosaccharides that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, essential for immune system development.[5]
  3. Boosted Immune System: Human milk provides Immunoglobulins, which offer protection against infections and diseases.[6]
  4. Reduced Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC): Donor human milk has been shown to reduce the risk of NEC, a life-threatening condition affecting premature infants.[7]

Indian Scenario
India has made significant progress in reducing infant mortality rates, from 89 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 24.979 deaths per 1000 live births in 2025.[8] However, the country still accounts for approximately 20% of global infant deaths.[9] Human milk banking can play a vital role in addressing this issue.

Present Scenario in Kolkata
Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal, The Hon’ble Chief Minister Ms. Mamata Banerjee launched the Eastern India’s first and country’s most modernized “Human Milk Bank” in SSKM Hospital in August 2013. It is equipped with pasteurization and most advanced milk collection, screening, processing, testing and storage facilities. The project is named “Madhur Sneha” Helpline no: 033-2204 1101 [10] Since then, several other milk banks have been set up in various hospitals across the city. According to recent data, Kolkata’s human milk banks have collected over 10,000 liters of donor milk, benefiting more than 5,000 vulnerable infants.[11] The city’s milk banks have also implemented innovative initiatives, such as:

  1. Mobile Milk Collection Units: India’s first mobile milk collection unit inaugurated at Sassoon General Hospital, Pune to facilitate milk donation from lactating mothers in remote areas.[12]
  2. Online Milk Donation Platforms: Platforms like www.savebabies.in , www.donateinkind.in, www.mylofamily.com are raising awareness online and encourage milk donations.[13]
  3. Collaborations with Private Hospitals: To expand the reach of human milk banking services.[13]

Challenges and Opportunities

  1. Awareness and Education: Raising awareness about the benefits of human milk banking among healthcare professionals, lactating mothers, and the general public is essential.[14]
  2. Infrastructure Development: Establishing a network of human milk banks across India, particularly in rural areas, is crucial.[14]
  3. Donor Milk Recruitment: Encouraging lactating mothers to donate milk, while ensuring safe and hygienic collection and storage practices, is vital.[14]
  4. Regulatory Framework: Developing a comprehensive regulatory framework to govern human milk banking in India is necessary.[14]

Conclusion
Human milk banking is a lifesaving intervention that can significantly improve infant health and survival in India. The present scenario in Kolkata demonstrates the city’s commitment to promoting human milk banking. By addressing the challenges and leveraging opportunities, India can establish a robust human milk banking system, providing vulnerable infants with the best possible start in life.

References

  1. Wiessinger D. The first milk bank. J Hum Lact. 2013;29(2):143-145. doi: 10.1177/0890334412474835
  2. Human Milk Banking Association of North America. About human milk banking[Online]. [2012?] [cited 2025 March 16]; Available from: URL: https://www.hmbana.org/
  3. Patel S, Gupta A, Gupta P. Human milk banking in India: A review. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2018;31(11):1539-1545. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1297434
  4. Boyd CA, Quigley MA, Brocklehurst P. Donor breast milk versus infant formula for preterm infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2019;104(3):F236-F243. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2018-315934
  5. Ballard O, Morrow AL. Human milk composition: Nutrients and bioactive factors. Pediatr Clin North Am. 2013;60(1):49-74. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2012.09.009
  6. Hanson LA. Human milk and host defense: Immediate and long-term effects. Acta Paediatr Suppl. 1999;88(430):42-46. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.1999.tb14355.x
  7. Cristofalo EA, Schanler RJ, Blanco CL, Sullivan S, Trawoeger R, Kiechl-Kohlendorfer U, et al. Randomized trial of donor human milk versus preterm formula as substitutes for mothers’ own milk in feeding extremely premature infants. Pediatr Res. 2013;74(2):228-235. doi: 10.1038/pr.2013.102
  8. World Health Organization. Current infant mortality rate[Online]. 2025 March 14 [cited 2025 March 16]; Available from: URL: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/newborn-mortality
  9. UNICEF. Infant mortality rate (under 1 year) [Online]. 2024 March 1 [cited 2025 March 16]; Available form: URL: https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-survival/neonatal-mortality/
  10. Madhur Sneha[Online]. 2022 May 22 [cited 2025 March 16]; Available from: URL: https://www.wb.gov.in/government-schemes-details-madhursneha.aspx
  1. Anuradha Mascarenhas. Indian Express. Kolkata’s human milk bank collects over 10,000 litres of milk[Online]. 2024 July 19 [cited 2025 March 16]; Available from: URL:https://indianexpress.com/article/india/at-these-banks-human-milk-turns-liquid-gold-4753692/
  1. Punekar News. India’s first mobile milk collection unit to encourage donations[Online]. 2016 Aug 1 [cited 2025 March 16]; Available from: URL: https://www.punekarnews.in/indias-first-mobile-human-milk-collection-unit-inaugurated-at-sassoon-general-hospital-pune/
  2. Savebabies.in. Online platform to encourage milk donation. [2017?] [cited 2025 March 16]; Available from: URL: https://www.savebabies.in
  3. United Nations Children’s Fund. Breastfeeding advocacy initiative. 2014 Feb [cited 2025 March 16]; Available from:

URL: https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/152891/WHO_NMH_NHD_?sequence=1

Dr. Biprajit Baidya Intern Session 2020-21, PCMHHC, KOL
Dr. Arunava Nath BHMS, MD (Hom.) Lecturer Dept. of F.M.T, PCMHHC, KOL

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*