armida fernandesImage Credit source: Instagram
Armida Fernandes is being honored with Padma Shri this year. She is a well-known pediatrician in Mumbai and established Asia’s first Human Milk Bank. Their efforts have proved to be very important especially for those newborns who are born prematurely or whose birth weight is very low. Mother’s milk is considered the safest and essential nutrition for such children, but sometimes it is not available. Understanding this need, Armida Fernandes started the Human Milk Bank.
His efforts have helped in reducing the neonatal mortality rate and thousands of children have got life support. This contribution is not limited to the medical field only, but also gives hope to the weaker sections of the society. For this reason, it has been announced to honor him with Padma Shri.
Main reasons for awarding Padma Shri
Padma Shri is India’s third highest civilian award, which is given to those who have made extraordinary contributions to the society. Armida Fernandes is being given this honor for her unique and humanitarian efforts. By starting Asia’s first human milk bank, he created a system through which safe and tested mother’s milk could reach needy infants.
This initiative is considered a major achievement in the field of newborn health. His work was not limited to just one hospital, but he also inspired to adopt this model in other parts of the country. In view of his contribution in newborn care, support to mothers and strengthening health services, he was selected in the category of Unsung Hero.
Life support for weak newborns
Mother’s milk is the most important nutrition for children born with low weight or prematurely. The human milk bank started by Armida Fernandes has helped save the lives of thousands of such children. This bank proves to be a lifesaver for those children whose mothers are unable to breastfeed due to some reason.
This reduces the risk of infection and improves the immunity of children. This facility has been very useful especially for the newborns admitted in NICU.
wider contribution to society
Armida Fernandes’ contribution is not limited to medical services only. She has worked to promote breastfeeding, spread awareness among mothers and change the thinking of society regarding newborn care. His efforts are considered a strong step towards making the health system more humane.