Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre’s Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank Receives Prestigious Awards at South Asia Lambcon 2024
Pune, India , 17th, October- The Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank, a pioneering initiative of Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, has achieved outstanding recognition by winning three prestigious awards at the 4th South Asia Lambcon 2024 Comprehensive Lactation Management, Milk Banking and Breastfeeding Conference.
The Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank was honored with the following accolades:
* Dhaatri Award – Best Milk Bank (First Prize) awarded to Dr. Shailaja Mane and her team
* Sushena Award – Best Healthcare Worker (First Prize) awarded to Mrs. Chhaya Magade
• Maa Yashoda Award (First Prize) awarded to Mrs. Neeta Palaria
These accolades reflect the institution’s unwavering commitment to promoting maternal and neonatal health, along with its continued dedication to supporting breastfeeding and lactation management. The recognition stands as a testament to the exceptional service provided by the entire team at the Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank.
Since its inception, the Yashoda Human Milk Bank has made significant strides in serving mothers and infants. From 2013 to September 2024, the bank has supported 18,880 donors, collected a total of 54,44,429 ml of milk, and distributed 50,52,971 ml of milk to 26,927 babies. In 2024 alone (until September), the bank has recorded 1,890 donors, collecting 6,36,330 ml of milk and distributing 5,63,765 ml to 2,587 babies.
Dr. Bhagyashree Patil, Pro-Chancellor of Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, expressed her pride in the team’s achievements, stating: “I am deeply humbled by this recognition, which is a testament to the tireless efforts of our entire team. At the Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank, we remain committed to empowering mothers and ensuring that every newborn receives the best start in life. This achievement motivates us to continue leading the way in advancing maternal and neonatal care, as we strive to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of future generations. Together, we can build a healthier tomorrow by nurturing and supporting both mothers and infants.”
The visionary leadership of Hon. Dr. Bhagyashree Patil has been instrumental in positioning the Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank as a center of excellence in lactation and neonatal care. Under her guidance, the institution has become a beacon of support for mothers and newborns, ensuring that the best practices in human milk banking and lactation management are followed.
Speaking on the awards, Dr. Shailaja Mane, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, said “This recognition is not just an honor, but a reflection of the unwavering dedication and compassion that our team brings to the Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank every day. Our mission has always been to provide holistic support to mothers and their newborns, ensuring they receive the care and nourishment they need. These awards inspire us to further our efforts in promoting breastfeeding and lactation management and I am incredibly proud of our team’s collective commitment to this cause.”
Dr. J. S. Bhawalkar, Dean, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, said “The recognition bestowed upon the Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank is a shining example of our institution’s dedication to excellence in maternal and neonatal care. At our institution, we strive to uphold the highest standards of care and innovation. These awards not only acknowledge the incredible work of our staff but also reinforce our commitment to being at the forefront of healthcare, serving as a model of excellence for the region and beyond.”
The award-winning team includes key healthcare professionals such as Dr. Shailaja Mane, Head of Department, Founder and Director of the Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank and Dr. Pallavi Tupkar, Lactation Consultant. The dedication of the nursing staff, led by Chhaya Magade (Incharge Sister), along with team members Sneha Bagul, Subhadra Tambe, Chhaya Rao, Sarika Irlapalle, Sunita Bhalke, Yogita Gaikwad, Puja Gawai and Vanita Durge, has been crucial in achieving these milestones.
This momentous achievement further solidifies Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre’s position as a leader in maternal care, dedicated to supporting the health and well-being of mothers and infants across the region.
