BSV collaborates with FOGSI for raising importance of spreading health tips through academic initiatives

New Delhi: Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (BSV) a leading biopharmaceutical company in India, has collaborated with the Study on Female Breast Committee, Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) to increase awareness towards breastfeeding and post-partum care through the RISHTA initiative 2024.

The RISHTA initiative endeavours to foster a conducive and supportive ecosystem for breastfeeding by educating the paramedics on the health benefits of breastfeeding, while taking care of the emotional and mental wellbeing of the new mothers.

RISHTA 2024 focuses on two formats of training: One program focuses on educating medical practitioners through “Train the Trainer” program and will run as a pilot in six cities in its first phase. These sessions will be taken by experienced gynaecologists and the cities covered include New Delhi, Bareilly, Patna, Lucknow, Faridabad and Dehradun. The second program covers the Online Training for paramedics on techniques for breastfeeding and will be carried out in vernacular languages over seven webinars.

Dr Jaideep Tank, President, FOGSI points out, “In line with FOGSI’s strategy to enhance the quality of intrapartum and newborn care, we have laid a strong emphasis on the continuous training and skill development of healthcare professionals. With RISHTA 2024, we are glad to collaborate with BSV, a leading women’s healthcare company, to provide continuous education and keep healthcare providers updated with the latest advancements and best practices for delivering superior newborn care. This initiative is a clear reflection of our commitment towards advancing maternal and neonatal health through excellence in medical education and safe motherhood practices. It is our endeavour to sensitise doctors, paramedical staff and the society about the importance of continued breastfeeding.  However, some women are unable to breastfeed due to medical reasons. We aim at trying to help them to be able to breastfeed.  Not to stigmatise women who are unable to breast feed.”

Dr Charulata Bapaye, Chairperson of Study on Female Breast Committee, FOGSI states, “The percentage of children who were fed breast milk exclusively in the first six months increased from 55% to 64% between 2015-16 and 2019-21, according to the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5; 2019-21).  However, the National Family Health Survey 2019-21 (NFHS-5) points out that only four in 10 newborns are breastfed within the first hour of delivery, while two in three children are exclusively breastfed for the first six months.

Breastmilk is rich in antibodies that helps build a strong immune system and lays the foundation for good health of a child.   Through RISHTA we aim to reach out to medical practitioners and paramedics and share health tips on several topics including positions and latch techniques: advantage of the Golden hour for breastfeeding, addressing the mental health concerns of new mothers, while dispelling myths surrounding breastfeeding.”

According to Alok Khettry, COO- India Business, BSV, “As a committed women’s health company, it is our responsibility to take efforts towards building a Healthy Bharat. In line with this vision, we are delighted to collaborate with FOGSI and associate with RISHTA: an initiative that promotes the importance of breastfeeding for the well-being of both infants and mothers. We are confident that such collaborations will help us spread awareness on safe breastfeeding practices and early detection of breastfeeding complications while focusing on developing softer skills such as sensitive and empathetic communication while addressing breastfeeding concerns with new mothers. Together, let’s inspire positive change for a brighter, healthier future.”

According to the World Health Organization (WHO); breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help build the immune system. Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first few months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.  Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.