Highlighting the harm of replacing breastfeeding with store-bought milk, IPR Director Ng. Uttam Singh described it as “a deprivation of vital nutrients for the baby” during the launch of World Breastfeeding Week 2025 at RIMS Hospital, Imphal.
The weeklong observance, organized by the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in collaboration with the Breastfeeding Promotion Alliance of Manipur (BPAM), is themed “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.” The event marks a statewide campaign to promote breastfeeding awareness, featuring exhibitions, health talks, and outreach programs across several hospitals.
Midway through his address, Uttam Singh elaborated on the impact of modern practices, cautioning against convenience-driven feeding habits and unnecessary medical interventions such as non-critical Caesarean sections. He urged mothers to breastfeed for at least six months and called on families and society to create environments where natural feeding is encouraged and supported.
Chief Guest Prof. G. Sunil Kumar Sharma, Director of RIMS, underscored the importance of involving fathers, employers, and policymakers in supporting breastfeeding mothers. He stressed the need for hospital-based lactation support, baby-friendly practices, and peer networks to ensure mothers receive sustained encouragement.
As part of the observance, students of the College of Nursing displayed awareness stalls on breastfeeding benefits. The campaign will continue throughout the week with programs scheduled at hospitals including Mother’s Care & Children Hospital, Shija Hospital, Jivan Hospital, Raj Medicity, Acme Fertility & Healthcare, and Babina Hospital.
The opening event was attended by Prof. N. Sanjib Singh, Medical Superintendent of RIMS (President), Dr. James Elangbam, Secretary of BPAM (Guest of Honour), faculty members, nursing students, and hospital staff.
