Corporation,paediatric association to hold milk donation camp on Aug 2

The people of Surat have often donated their eyes,kidneys,and blood.

The Milk Bank was started by the SMC last December.

The milk collected from the donors is stored up to three months from where it is provided free of charge to newborn babies whose mother cannot feed their babies.

Dr Vandana Desai of SMIMER Hospital,who is working on this camp,said: “We have come across many cases in our hospital where we have to advise the women not to feed their babies due to the their weak condition. At that time the infants are given milk from the Milk Bank. We don’t charge anything for the milk.”

Dr. Kanaksinh Surma,president of the Surat chapter of Indian Academy of Paediatrics said: “Milk donation is as important as blood donation. Many women suffering from HIV or TB are not advised to feed their newborn babies. These women can get the milk for their babies from the Milk Bank.”

He added: “The Milk Bank will also come to the aid of orphaned infants. Besides,we have found that many women are engaged in their jobs and business and don’t find time to feed their newborn babies and this affect their growth.”

Dr Desai said their teams visit the gynaecology wards and convince the women to donate milk. “We welcome women who come to our banks on their own to donate milk. We conduct some tests and after the milk is found suitable,we collect it.”