Pakistan’s first Human Milk Bank, a groundbreaking initiative at the Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN), has been halted following a recent religious ruling from Darul Uloom Karachi. Initially endorsed by a fatwa from the same institution, the facility provided crucial nutrition to premature infants, aiding in their survival.
SICHN announced the suspension of the milk bank after receiving a revised fatwa on June 16, 2024, prompting the institute to cease operations. The project had been launched under religious approval but faced objections leading to its discontinuation.
“The Human Milk Bank was established with religious consent,” explained an SICHN official. “However, due to a recent fatwa revision, we have stopped its operations.”
The initiative, inaugurated by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho and supported by UNICEF and the Pakistan Pediatric Association, aimed to provide Shariah-compliant breast milk to premature babies, addressing their critical nutritional needs.
Dr. Jamal Raza, head of SICHN, emphasized the importance of the milk bank, stating, “Premature babies, born before 34 weeks, often struggle due to inadequate maternal milk. Our goal was to save these vulnerable infants.”
Located in a Karachi hospital, the project initially received widespread support but encountered challenges from various religious quarters, leading to the revised fatwa and subsequent suspension.
Dr. Raza confirmed that SICHN has approached the Council of Islamic Ideology for further guidance as they navigate the intersection of healthcare and religious principles.
The temporary closure of Pakistan’s pioneering Human Milk Bank underscores the delicate balance between healthcare advancements and cultural sensitivities, reflecting ongoing dialogues within the community on such vital initiatives.
, has been halted following a recent religious ruling from Darul Uloom Karachi. Initially endorsed by a fatwa from the same institution, the facility provided crucial nutrition to premature infants, aiding in their survival.){kind=link}