In a recent development, the Sindh Institute of Child Health & Neonatology (SICHN) has suspended its Human Milk Bank project, the first of its kind in Pakistan, following the issuance of a new fatwa (religious edict). This decision came after consultation with religious authorities and reflects the institute’s commitment to adhere to Islamic principles.
A spokesperson for SICHN stated that the institute would seek further guidance from Jamia Darul Uloom Karachi and the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) to ensure the project’s compliance with religious teachings.
The Human Milk Bank and Early Childhood Center at SICHN was inaugurated a few weeks ago by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho, alongside officials from UNICEF and the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA). The initiative aimed to provide breast milk to premature babies who could not receive adequate nutrition from their mothers, addressing a critical healthcare need.
“The premature babies are of 34 weeks or less gestation and they have less than 2kg weight. Most of the mothers having such babies do not have this much breast milk that could meet children’s nutrition requirement,” explained the spokesperson. The project was designed to mitigate this issue, providing essential breast milk to prevent complications, infections, and early death among these vulnerable newborns.
The spokesperson emphasized that the service was intended to be Shariah-compliant, ensuring that Muslim children would receive milk from Muslim women. Additionally, the service was to be offered free of charge to avoid any perception of commercial exploitation.
Initially, in December 2023, Darul Uloom Karachi had issued a fatwa with preconditions, granting necessary religious endorsement for the project. However, a revised fatwa issued on June 16, 2024, led to the temporary suspension of the Human Milk Bank.
“The revised fatwa has prompted us to pause the functionality of the Human Milk Bank. This decision (of suspension) is in compliance with the updated religious guidance,” the spokesperson noted.
As SICHN awaits further religious and ethical guidance, the future of the Human Milk Bank remains uncertain. The institute reiterates its commitment to saving lives and providing essential healthcare services within the framework of Islamic principles.
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