Hyderabad, 23 July 2025: Ankura Hospital for Women and Children has taken a significant step to enhance neonatal care with the inauguration of the ‘Ankura-Dhaatri Milk Bank’ at its LB Nagar branch. The initiative was inaugurated by Prof. Praveen Kumar, Head of Neonatology at PGIMER, Chandigarh, and witnessed the presence of eminent dignitaries including Dr. Srisailam Kothuru (President, NNF Telangana), Dr. Srinidhi Thirunagari (Director, Ankura Hospital), Dr. Vijay Kumar (Superintendent, Niloufer Hospital), and Dr. Santosh Kumar Kraleti (General Secretary, Sushena Health Foundation). This pioneering facility aims to provide safe, screened, and pasteurized breast milk from healthy donor mothers to premature and critically ill newborns, offering them a stronger chance at survival and healthy development.

Breast milk is widely regarded as nature’s perfect food for infants, containing a unique blend of antibodies, enzymes, and white blood cells that protect against infections while supporting overall growth. It has been proven to reduce the risk of long-term health conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and certain cancers. Beyond its nutritional value, breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child and benefits mothers by reducing the risk of certain cancers, diabetes, and aiding recovery after childbirth. For fragile and premature babies, the availability of breast milk is often life-saving, helping to prevent conditions like Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), which is common in preterm infants.

Speaking at the launch, Prof. Praveen Kumar said, “A human milk bank is not just a healthcare facility—it is a lifeline of love and science. Every drop of donor milk can save a fragile baby’s life, and initiatives like these bring hope to families during their most challenging times.”

Dr. Srinivas Murki, Chief Neonatologist at Ankura Hospital, LB Nagar, emphasized, “Breast milk is the most complete and digestible food for newborns. The first feed—colostrum—given within one hour of birth is rich in antibodies and DHA, essential for brain development. It boosts immunity and supports healthy gut bacteria. For premature and critically ill babies, donor milk can truly make the difference between life and death.”

Adding to this, Dr. Srisailam Kothuru remarked, “The establishment of a dedicated milk bank in Hyderabad is a milestone for neonatal health in Telangana. It sets a strong example for hospitals across the state to prioritishuman milk as the gold standard for infant nutrition.”

Dr. K. P. Vunnam, Founder of Ankura Hospital, added, “We are proud to launch the Ankura-Dhaatri Milk Bank, which is integrated with all NICUs across Ankura Hospitals. This initiative ensures that even the most vulnerable babies receive optimal nutrition and care. We have a dedicated team of neonatologists, lactation consultants, and nurses committed to guiding and supporting mothers with breastfeeding and milk expression, creating a culture of awareness and compassion.”

The hospital is also inviting healthy lactating mothers to come forward and donate excess milk to support newborns who need it the most. Interested donors can register by contacting the Ankura-Dhaatri Milk Bank at 9866399788. With this initiative, Ankura Hospital reinforces its commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of circumstances, receives the best possible start in life.