Medica Group of Hospitals and UNICEF are partnering to empower mothers during Breastfeeding Week celebrations in India. Medica becomes the first hospital in India to collaborate with UNICEF. Breastfeeding support faces challenges like lack of maternity protection, limited employer breaks, and less than half of infants under six months exclusively breastfeeding.

On August 2 and 3, 2023, workshops on Kangaroo Mother Care and breastfeeding were held at Medica Hospital, Kolkata. Attendees included Dr. Nicola Judith Flynn, MD, R Udayan Lahiry, Co-founder & Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, and Ayanabh DebGupta. Kangaroo Care Master Trainers Sr. Parul Datta, Prof Asim Mallick, and Dr. Bijan Saha, along with UNICEF health officer Dr. Vandana P Bhatia, provided insights into the practice.

WABA launched Breastfeeding Week in 1992, now collaborating with WHO, UNICEF, and WABA to address challenges faced by mothers in 2023.

Medica Hospital's Department of Pediatrics has established a nursing area equipped with amenities like breast pumps, bottle warmers, and bottles for mothers. The hospital actively encourages employees to take breaks for expressing milk, providing a refrigerator for storing breastmilk, as stated in a hospital press release.

UNICEF and Medica's collaboration marks UNICEF's role in promoting breastfeeding and Kangaroo Mother Care in West Bengal. The initiative aims to provide training and certification to nurses and doctors from hospitals other than Medica.

Dr Nicola Judith Flynn says -

“Breastfeeding is important in reducing deaths and fostering prosperity.”

R Udayan Lahiry says -

“We are grateful to UNICEF and the trainers for their support.”

Ayanabh DebGupta says -

“Medica Hospitals is committed to making a positive impact on mothers and babies.”