Sindh Institute of Child Health & Neonatology faces project suspension

Pakistan's first Human Milk Bank project, initiated by the Sindh Institute of Child Health & Neonatology (SICHN), has been temporarily suspended following a recent religious decree (fatwa) that has sparked controversy and debate. The project, aimed at providing breast milk to premature babies in need, has been put on hold as SICHN seeks guidance from religious authorities.

The Human Milk Bank and Early Childhood Center at SICHN, inaugurated by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho, was established to address the nutritional needs of premature babies who cannot receive sufficient breast milk from their mothers. The initiative was a response to the significant number of mothers facing challenges in producing an adequate amount of breast milk or meeting their infants' nutritional requirements.

It was emphasized that only milk from Muslim women would be distributed to Muslim infants, and the service was intended to be provided free of charge to ensure no commercial implications. Initially supported by a fatwa from Darululoom Karachi, the project faced a setback with a revised fatwa, leading to its suspension.

The suspension of Pakistan's first Human Milk Bank project highlights the intersection of healthcare initiatives and religious considerations. While the project aimed to address a critical need for premature babies, the influence of religious decrees has prompted a pause in its implementation. The ongoing discussions between SICHN and religious authorities underscore the importance of balancing medical advancements with cultural and religious sensitivities.