Pune: KEM Hospital, Pune, inaugurated its advanced Nectar Human Milk Bank today, with the ceremony graced by National Award-winning playback singer Savaniee Ravindrra as the Chief Guest.
The event also featured Dr. Anand Pandit, former director of the pediatric department at KEM Hospital, as the Guest of Honour.
The launch was attended by prominent figures, including Saurabh Dhonarkar, Director of Finolex Industries Ltd; Anil Whabi, Former Managing Director of Finolex Industries Ltd; Dr. Xerxes Coyaji, Medical Director of KEM Hospital, Pune; Dr. Vishwanath Yemul, Medical Administrator of KEM Hospital, Pune; and Dr. Umesh Vaidya, Head of Neonatology at KEM Hospital.
The team was joined by lactation consultants Dr. Janvi Shah and Dr. Rani Balgude, along with other hospital staff members. The upgraded Nectar Human Milk Bank has been established with significant support from Finolex Industries and the Mukul Madhav Foundation.
The newly enhanced milk bank, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, aims to provide crucial support to newborns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at KEM Hospital, as well as other hospitals in the region.
The bank's operations include the collection, testing, pasteurization, storage, and dispensing of donor milk, ensuring that preterm and critically ill infants receive optimal nutrition.
During the event, Savaniee Ravindrra expressed her joy at the inauguration and performed a segment of the classic Hindi song "Tu Kitni Aacchi Hein," celebrating the mother-child bond.
Dr. Anand Pandit, who played a pivotal role in establishing the NICU at KEM Hospital in 1980, reflected on the hospital's progress and expressed pride in witnessing the NICU's growth into a comprehensive care unit.
Dr. Umesh Vaidya, Head of the Neonatology Department, emphasized the importance of the milk bank in saving lives by providing essential nutrition to premature babies. He highlighted that the upgraded milk bank now boasts increased capacity and cutting-edge technology.
Dhanorkar, representing Finolex Industries, conveyed his gratitude to KEM Hospital for the opportunity to contribute to such a noble cause. He affirmed Finolex's commitment, alongside the Mukul Madhav Foundation, to continue supporting KEM Hospital in delivering advanced medical care at affordable rates.
Originally established in 2018, the Nectar Human Milk Bank has been a vital resource for the NICU at KEM Hospital, playing a crucial role in saving numerous lives.
Dr. Umesh Vaidya added that this upgrade aligns with the hospital's vision to offer state-of-the-art services to patients at accessible costs, expressing appreciation to the Mukul Madhav Foundation for their continued partnership and support.