Kasturba Hospital is home to the Manipal Matri Amrit Milk Bank, the first human milk bank in Udupi district

Kasturba Medical College (KMC) and Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, have been awarded the prestigious Level III-B accreditation by the National Neonatology Forum (NNF) for its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Kasturba Hospital’s NICU has a 42-bed capacity and is equipped with the latest technology to provide advanced care for sick and premature newborns, including those born as early as 24 weeks gestation and weighing as little as 500 grams.

Kasturba Hospital is also home to the Manipal Matri Amrit Milk Bank, the first human milk bank in Udupi district, which further supports the care and nutritional needs of vulnerable newborns.

Lt Gen (Dr) MD Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), said, “The accreditation is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality of care to our youngest patients. Kasturba Hospital is the first teaching hospital in Karnataka to receive this recognition, joining an elite group of only 15 hospitals across India. This honour not only highlights our hospital’s dedication to excellence but also reinforces MAHE’s standing as a leader in medical education and healthcare. It underscores the dedication and hard work of our medical staff, who continue to set new benchmarks in neonatal care.”

Dr Sharath Rao, Pro Vice-Chancellor – Health Sciences, mentioned, "Achieving Level III-B accreditation is not just a recognition but also a responsibility. It inspires us to further enhance our services and ensure that our neonatal care remains at the forefront of medical excellence.”

Dr Padmaraj Hegde, Dean, KMC Manipal, said, “This achievement is a result of the collaborative efforts of our dedicated team of doctors, nurses, and support staff. Their relentless pursuit of excellence has made this possible, and we are incredibly proud of their accomplishments.”

Dr Sheila Samanta Mathai, Professor and Head of the Department of Neonatology, who has been instrumental in leading the department to this milestone, expressed her gratitude. “I am deeply honoured by this recognition from the National Neonatology Forum. It reflects the high standards we maintain in our neonatal unit and motivates us to continue delivering the best possible care to our patients.”