Rahima Moosa celebrates milk bank

Thanks to a collaboration between the hospital and Netcare this milk bank, will goes towards aiding to community's most vulnerable.

6 hours ago

Neo Phashe 2 minutes read

Ashraf Coovadia, specialist and head of department of paediatrics and child health, speaks on the importance of the milk bank at Rahima Moosa Mother & Child Hospital. Photo: Neo Phashe

Now found at Rahima Moosa Mother & Child Hospital is a small, but mighty room, whose efforts are geared at further being of aid to newborn babies. This comes as Netcare collaborated with the hospital to build an on-site milk bank.

Read more: A milk bank to aid the community

Ashraf Coovadia, specialist and head of department of paediatrics and child health at the hospital, said it was a special day for them as a hospital, and marked the first public/private partnership of its kind in the country, one that he hopes will continue to other hospitals too. Coovadia explained that in 2018 the hospital had a necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) outbreak and several babies died from it. “Necrotizing enterocolitis is a particular complication that premature babies get and there is very few interventions other than proper nursing and not crowding babies to prevent it. But, one powerful way of reducing NEC is through human breastmilk.”

Netcare CEO Dr Richard Frieland speaks to the audience. Photo: Neo Phashe

Cooovadia explained that in 2019 Netcare stepped forward with the suggestion to provide the hospital with breastmilk at no added cost to them. “South Africa has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. This milk bank is in an effort to promote breastfeeding, not just for premature babies. We really appreciate this, as it’s important in helping decrease infections other than NEC,” he said.

Also read: World Breastfeeding Week: How to increase milk supply

Dr Richard Frieland, CEO of Netcare, said the hospital, which has been part of the community for 90 years, has served its community and various others with pride. He recounted how in 1994 he did his internship at the hospital within obstetrics and gynecology. There was demanding need for it within the community. “We are shocked at the unfortunate reality that today the facility has not increased, however its community has. So, we are honoured and proud to partner with Rahima Moosa.”

Ashraf Coovadia, specialist and head of department of paediatrics and child health at Rahima Moosa Mother & Child Hospital, cuts the ribbon to the milk bank. Photo Neo Phashe

Frieland said as healthcare workers they all share one common purpose, as it pertains to their calling, which is to uphold the sanctity of life in every single human being and treat patients with dignity, respect, and compassion, particularly those who are most vulnerable such as babies and children. Frieland, said this milk bank can stand up to international standards anywhere in the world.