Hong Kong’s first breast milk bank will open next Monday, with plans to collect 1,000 litres (264.2 gallons) per year to help up to 600 premature and critically-ill newborns.
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The Hospital Authority on Tuesday announced that the Hong Kong Breast Milk Bank, located at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital in Kowloon Bay, would begin operations on January 6.
“In the initial phase of service commencement, the [bank] will recruit donors and accept breast milk donations, while the second phase of services is expected to begin in March of the same year, providing breast milk to premature or critically-ill newborns,” its spokesman said.
“This marks a milestone in neonatal medical services, providing a healthy start for the most vulnerable lives.”
Dr Rosanna Wong, the facility’s director, said that breast milk was “the best food” for babies as it offered nourishment and various other health benefits.
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“However, some mothers of extremely premature or critically-ill newborns are unable to breastfeed for various reasons,” she said.