Mandya Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Nandini K.R. has directed the Panchayat Raj Engineering Division to complete the construction of the proposed Mothers’ Milk Bank and the Medical Laboratory Communication Unit (MLCU) at the Mandya District Hospital premises by the end of January. She emphasised that both facilities must be ready for inauguration on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day.
Review meeting stresses timely completion
Chairing a review meeting on Tuesday, the CEO noted that adequate funds had been sanctioned under various government schemes and reiterated the need to ensure high-quality work within the approved budget. She said that a portion of the essential equipment for the Mothers’ Milk Bank would be supplied through the National Health Mission (NHM), while the remaining machinery must be procured through a transparent tender process.
Nandini instructed officers to expedite tender procedures, commence pending construction activities without delay and maintain strict timelines. She added that delays at any stage would affect the planned March inauguration and therefore required close monitoring by all departments involved.
Departments asked to monitor progress closely
Officials from the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) and the District Health Officer’s (DHO) office were directed to oversee progress and report regularly. Nandini stressed that “there should be no compromise on quality”, especially given the sensitive nature of the facilities being built.
The Astrika Foundation, which has previously collaborated on maternal and neonatal health initiatives, will provide technical guidance for the design, construction and future maintenance of both the Mothers’ Milk Bank and the MLCU.
Public awareness drive planned
As part of community engagement, the CEO instructed officials to set up an information stall at the upcoming Fruit and Flower Show to create public awareness on the importance of mothers’ milk and the role of a structured milk bank in supporting infants who need donor milk.
Officials noted that the new Mothers’ Milk Bank will greatly benefit preterm and critically ill newborns, offering safe, pasteurised human milk to support neonatal care in Mandya district.