Human Milk Banks in India: Saving Lives and ₹3,000+ Crore by Preventing NEC (Necrotizing enterocolitis)

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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most dangerous gastrointestinal conditions affecting preterm and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. It leads to severe intestinal damage, often requiring surgery, and can result in lifelong complications or death. In India, where neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are often overburdened, Human Milk Banks (HMBs) have emerged as a powerful intervention-not just medically, but economically.


The Cost of NEC in India

Treating NEC is expensive and resource-intensive:

  • Prolonged NICU stays: NEC patients often require weeks of intensive care.

  • Surgical interventions: Many cases demand emergency surgery and post-op support.

  • Long-term care: Survivors may suffer from short bowel syndrome or developmental delays.

  • Emotional and financial strain: Families face high medical bills and lost income.


Why Human Milk Matters

Human milk-especially donor milk from HMBs-contains:

  • Immunological agents that protect the gut

  • Nutrients tailored for preterm development

  • Anti-inflammatory properties that reduce NEC risk

Formula, by contrast, lacks these protective elements and increases NEC incidence. Studies consistently show that exclusive human milk feeding significantly reduces NEC and other complications.

Breast milk acts like a miracle for NEC infants by providing essential bioactive components that promote intestinal healing, reduce inflammation, and foster a healthy gut microbiome. These properties help prevent the onset and progression of NEC, improving survival and long-term outcomes.


The Critical Role of Human Milk Banks

Human Milk Banks play a vital role in ensuring vulnerable infants receive this life-saving nutrition when mother's own milk is unavailable or insufficient. They provide:

  • Safe, pasteurized donor milk that retains protective qualities

  • Access to human milk for preterm and sick infants in NICUs

  • A reliable alternative to formula, which lacks protective benefits

By facilitating access to donor milk, HMBs reduce NEC incidence, lower healthcare costs, and improve infant survival rates. Their role is especially crucial in regions with limited breastfeeding support or high preterm birth rates.


National-Scale Cost Savings from HMBs

Based on recent estimates, here’s how HMBs help reduce neonatal care costs across India:

Benefit Area

Annual Estimated Savings (₹ crore)

Why It Matters

Milk powder/formula

2,100

Donor milk replaces costly formula, especially in NICUs

NEC & major complications

650–775

Fewer NEC cases mean less hospitalization, surgery, and long-term care

Other complications (sepsis, BPD, LOS)

200–300

Human milk reduces risk of infections and respiratory issues

Total

∼3,000+

A transformative impact on neonatal healthcare economics

Sources: JAMA Network, PMC studies


Hospital-Level Impact

Hospitals with HMBs report:

  • Lower NEC rates

  • Shorter NICU stays

  • Fewer surgical interventions

  • Improved survival and developmental outcomes

This translates into crores saved per hospital annually, especially in high-volume NICUs.


Scaling HMBs: A National Imperative

India has over 100 HMBs, but many regions still lack access. Expanding HMB coverage could:

  • Save thousands of lives

  • Reduce neonatal mortality

  • Cut public and private healthcare costs

  • Improve equity in neonatal nutrition


Conclusion

Human Milk Banks are more than a compassionate initiative-they’re a strategic investment. By preventing NEC and other complications, they save India over ₹3,000 crore annually. For policymakers, hospitals, and families, HMBs represent a win-win: healthier babies and a healthier economy.

 

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