05/08/2025
World Breastfeeding Awareness Week 2025 Observed at Shija Hospitals
Imphal, August 4, 2025: Shija Hospitals & Research Institute Pvt. Ltd. observed World Breastfeeding Week 2025 at Shija Auditorium, Langol, on 4th July 2025. Over 100 healthcare professionals attended the event, themed "Prioritize Breastfeeding - Create Sustainable Support Systems" with the slogan "Invest in Breastfeeding. Invest in the Future", reflecting strong engagement from the medical community.
The event was jointly organised by Shija Hospitals, World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), Indian Medical Association (IMA), Breastfeeding Promotion Network of India (BPNI), BPAM, the Paediatric Association of Manipur (PAM), the Paediatric Association of India, Manipur (PAI), The Imphal Obstetrics and Gynaecological Society, the Nurses Association of India, and the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. The initiative highlighted the importance of support systems to protect, promote, and sustain breastfeeding practices.
The event was graced by Dr. Palin Khundongbam, Chairman and Managing Director of Shija Hospitals, as Chief Guest; Dr. L. Basanta Singh, Secretary of the Paediatric Association of Manipur, and Dr. Babita Chingakham, Principal of Shija Academy, as Guests of Honour; and Dr. R.K. Rupabati Devi, President of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics (Manipur Branch), as President of the event.
Dr. Kh. Sachikumar, Consultant Paediatrician at Shija Hospitals, delivered a welcome address, followed by an overview of World Breastfeeding Week by Dr. Meenakshi Moirangthem, Consultant Paediatrician, Shija Hospitals. Dr. Meenakshi emphasized the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of an infant's life, outlining its benefits for infants, mothers, and society. She provided guidance on proper breastfeeding techniques, including correct positioning and attachment, and cited research showing that breastfeeding can increase a child's IQ by up to eight points compared to formula feeding.
Shija Hospitals reaffirmed its commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers. The hospital provides paid maternity leave to its female employees and established the Shija Baby Care Centre in 2010 to enable working mothers to balance breastfeeding with professional responsibilities. This initiative underscores the hospital's dedication to maternal and child health.
The event concluded with a collective call to action, urging healthcare institutions, professional bodies, and communities to strengthen breastfeeding support systems at all levels.
(L. Premjit Singh) AGM - Business Development