Kochi: The first human milk bank in the state has started functioning at the Ernakulam General Hospital. Health Minister KK Shailaja inaugurated the scheme called ‘nectar of life’ via video conferencing.

KK Shailaja stated that although the idea of human milk bank has been successfully implemented in many parts of the world, it was introduced in Kerala only now. The bank has been established with the cooperation of Rotary Club of Cochin Global.

TJ Vinod MLA presided over the inaugural ceremony. Hibi Eden MP, Kochi Mayor M Anil Kumar, Rotary Club of Cochin Global President, Dr. Parasuram Gopinath, Former Rotary District-3201 Governor R Madhav Chandran, current Governor Jose Chacko were among the others who attended the ceremony. Pearly Maaney, who is the brand ambassador of human milk bank, conveyed her wishes through a video message.

The bank with ultra-modern facilities have been set up for infants who do not have access to human milk due to various reasons. The milk, once collected, can be stored for a period of 6 months. It has Pasteurization units, Refrigerators, Deep Freezers, Hospital grade breast pump, RO Plant and sterilising equipment facilities. The human milk bank was set for a cost of Rs 35 lakhs.