The award highlights the dedicated work at the Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank, a facility that plays a pivotal role in supporting premature and vulnerable infants with safe donor milk and professional lactation care
Dr DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, has achieved a landmark milestone by being honoured with the IBCLC Care Award 2025–2027 by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) and the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA), USA. The hospital is now the first and only hospital in India to receive this award for two consecutive terms, recognising its continued commitment to delivering exemplary lactation and breastfeeding support services.
This international recognition is awarded to hospitals and community-based organisations that have International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) on staff and demonstrate excellence in promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding and lactation care. A total of seven IBCLC-qualified lactation consultants are available in Dr DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre.
The award highlights the dedicated work at the Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank, a facility that plays a pivotal role in supporting premature and vulnerable infants with safe donor milk and professional lactation care in the initiative and leadership of Dr Shailaja Mane, HOD and Professor of Paediatric Department . The Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank at Dr DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune was established to address India’s high neonatal mortality rates, particularly among preterm and low birth weight infants who are often unable to receive breast milk from their mothers due to various researches.
The IBLCC Care Award was conferred upon Dr Rekha Arcot, Dean, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, and Dr Shailaja Mane along with the Team of Dr Mangesh UNICHEF as part of the Adolescon Conference. The dual milestone highlighted the institution’s ongoing commitment to advancing both neonatal and adolescent health through excellence in clinical care and medical education.
Dr Bhagyashree Patil, Pro-Chancellor of Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, expressed her pride, “This recognition reaffirms our commitment to ensuring that every newborn has access to optimal nutrition and care. At the Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank, we strive to empower mothers and support the well-being of future generations. I am deeply grateful to the team whose consistent efforts have made this achievement possible.”
Dr Yashraj Patil, Trustee & Treasurer, Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune, added, “Being recognised on a global platform is both an honour and a responsibility. This award is a reflection of the institution’s vision to provide integrated, compassionate healthcare. The Yashoda Milk Bank stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collaborative leadership and unwavering dedication to infant care.”
Dr Rekha Arcot, Dean, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, remarked: “The IBCLC Care Award is an acknowledgment of our team’s unwavering efforts to uphold the highest standards in maternal and child health. It affirms our mission to remain at the forefront of clinical care and education.”
Dr Shailaja Mane, Head of the Department of Paediatrics, Dr DY Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, said: “Every day, our team works toward one goal, ensuring that mothers and babies receive the best possible care. This award recognises our deep commitment to lactation management, neonatal health, and the holistic support we provide at the Yashoda Advanced Human Milk Bank.”
