AIMS Mohali recognised as breastfeeding-friendly hosp

Mohali: The Dr BR Ambedkar State Institute of Medical Sciences (AIMS), Mohali, has achieved a landmark recognition by becoming the only state govt medical college in the country to be accredited as a breastfeeding-friendly hospital under the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). With this, AIMS joins Command Hospital Pune as the only two govt medical colleges in India with this accreditation.Out of 71 facilities accredited nationwide, nearly half belong to the armed forces, while Telangana leads among states in accrediting govt facilities. Some private medical colleges also earned the recognition, but AIMS Mohali is the first from the state govt sector to do so.The accreditation process was conducted by the Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), the national agency authorised to carry out BFHI assessments. The on-site inspection on Aug 5 was led by Dr Rajinder Gulati, paediatrician and president of the Human Milk Bank Association of India, who praised the commitment of AIMS's doctors, nurses, and staff in implementing the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding.The achievement also reflects the vision of Prof (Dr) Bhavneet Bharti, director principal of AIMS, who previously set up Punjab's first human milk bank, Ashneer Milk Bank, with support from the Rotary Club. She also secured an ICMR-funded project to develop a hub-and-spoke model for human milk banks across India.Dr Bharti noted that the journey was challenging but made possible by the tireless work of the breastfeeding committee. "The dedication of our local champions providing 24/7 support to mothers and newborns has made this milestone possible," she said.This accreditation places AIMS Mohali at the forefront of India's breastfeeding promotion movement, highlighting its compliance with WHO and Govt of India standards, and strengthening its role in improving maternal and child health.