The government has directed all public and private hospitals and clinics to open breastfeeding corners to ensure that mothers can breastfeed their children properly.
Health Secretary MM Niazuddin made the comment at a press conference at the secretariat yesterday, and added that letters have been sent to all medical facilities in this regard.
“We will conduct a survey very soon at private hospitals and clinics to check and monitor how many of them have opened breastfeeding corners,” he added.
Two years ago, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina directed the Health Ministry to open breastfeeding corners at all hospitals, clinics and doctors' chambers. However, the directive has yet to be carried out at most private hospitals and clinics.
On a separate note, the health secretary also said the ministry has almost finalised the rules and regulations of Breast Milk Substitutes Commercial Production and Equipment (Regulation and Marketing) Act 2013. It will be submitted before the cabinet within a month, Niazuddin added.
Health Minister Mohammed Nasim, who was also present there, urged both print and electronic media to publish more stories highlighting the usefulness of breastfeeding
Dr SK Roy, president of Bangladesh Breastfeeding Foundation (BBF), told the Dhaka Tribune that most public hospitals have opened breastfeeding corners but the number was very low in the private sector. Over 200 public hospitals have already been announced as baby-friendly hospitals and around 1,000 doctors trained in this regard, he added.
Dr Roy, however, admitted that they have not conducted any assessment on whether or not the hospitals were working as baby-friendly hospitals.
Dr Md Shah Newaz, director of Institute of Public health and Nutrition (IPHN), claimed that they have opened comprehensive service corners to ensure integrated management of childhood illnesses, breastfeeding of children and to create awareness regarding nutrition and other health education.
Along with the rest of the world, Bangladesh is celebrating World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will officially inaugurate World Breastfeeding Week programmes today at the capital's Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
This year's theme for World Breastfeeding Week is “Breastfeeding: A Winning Goal for Life.”