UNIVERSITY STUDIES IDEA OF BREASTMILK BANK

KOTA BAHARU (Malaysia), Aug 5 (Bernama) -- Local Universiti Sains Malaysia
Hospital(HUSM) is conducting a detailed study for the setting up of a Breastmilk
Sharing Centre to solve the problem of low-milk supply among mothers of
premature babies.

HUSM Director Dr Zaidun Kamari said the main reason for the centre's
establishment was as a lifeline to pre-term babies who need the nutrients from
breastmilk to survive.

"I have been informed by pediatric specialists that besides the high
nutritional value in human milk, the antibodies in it are vital in preventing
infection and the problems of swollen or ruptured colons in premature babies
which require surgery to correct.

"However, the proposal is still in its early stages and needs to be
fine-tuned and thoroughly studied as it involves commitment from many quarters,
including the Kelantan mufti and the National Registration Department," she
said.

She was speaking to reporters after launching the World Breastfeeding Week
at the Nuclear Medical Auditorium in HUSM in this capital city of northeast
state of Kelantan, Tuesday. The Mufti of Kelantan, Mohamad Shukri Mohamad, was
among those who attended.

Meanwhile, Mohamad Shukri said attention would be given to the commitment
shown by HUSM.

However, he admitted that the proposal required thorough deliberation.

"We need to go through the proposal with a fine-tooth comb, using methods
and mechanisms that are in line with Islamic requirements to avoid problems
in future," he said.
-- BERNAMA