PANAJI: A meeting of members of the Goa State Committee on ‘Baby friendly hospital initiative’ was held under the chairmanship of Health Secretary, Mr Rajeev Varma at the Secretariat on Friday.

The meeting reviewed the efforts of the committee members to promote breast feeding at district hospitals, Goa Medical College and Hospital at Bambolim and other private hospitals in the state.

It was informed that the Asilo hospital, Mapusa has already taken an initiative to provide cubicles to mothers to facilitate breast feeding when they visit the hospital.

The Health Secretary expressed dissatisfaction for not providing cubicles or rooms for breast feeding to visiting mothers at Goa Medical College Hospital. It was informed at the meeting that such provision was necessary to give ‘Baby Friendly Status’ to the hospitals.

Such facility is being provided at Hospicio Hospital Margao. It was informed at the meeting that efforts are being made through education, pamphlets and other mediums to promote breast feeding. Directorate of Health Services in cooperation with voluntary organisations like breast feeding support groups and other concerned bodies organises programmes at various places to encourage beast feeding.

Secretary Health, Mr Varma suggested to involve Collectorate offices at both the Districts in the programme.

August 1, 2010 to August 7, 2010 will be observed as Breast-Feeding week and nutrition week with various programmes. The main function will be held at Government College, Khandola.

Dr Rajnanda Dessai, Director of Health Services, Mr Pramod Jain, Director food and Drug Administration, Mr Raj Vaidya, Representative of Breast feeding network of India, Ms Bharati Vernekar, Programme officer, Directorate of Women and Child Development, Ms Nelly de Sa, Goa Association of Paediatrics were amongst those present on the occasion.