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Padma Shri Award for Asia's First Human Milk Bank Founder
26 Jan
Summary
- Dr. Armida Fernandez established Asia's first human milk bank in 1989.
- She is recognized as the 'mother of Indian neonatology'.
- Her NGO, SNEHA, has expanded healthcare to Mumbai's slum communities.
Dr. Armida Fernandez, a celebrated neonatologist, has been awarded the Padma Shri for her groundbreaking contributions to healthcare in India.
In 1989, Dr. Fernandez established Asia's first human milk bank at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, a pioneering initiative that played a vital role in reducing infant mortality.
Recognized as the 'mother of Indian neonatology,' her career features many firsts, including introducing India's early doctoral programs in the field. She also served as dean of Sion Hospital.
Beyond hospital walls, Dr. Fernandez founded SNEHA, an urban health NGO, extending healthcare services to Mumbai's slum communities. SNEHA focuses on maternal and newborn health, violence prevention, and adolescent health.
More recently, she established a free palliative care facility in memory of her daughter, offering support to patients with life-limiting illnesses.
