Karachi: The Sindh Institute of Child Health and Neonatology (SICHN) in Karachi has announced the suspension of its Human Milk Bank following a recent religious edict (fatwa). The matter has been referred to the Council of Islamic Ideology (CII) for further guidance.
The Human Milk Bank was initially established after receiving a fatwa from Darul Uloom Karachi, providing the necessary religious endorsement. However, a revised fatwa from Darul Uloom Karachi dated June 16, 2024, has led to the discontinuation of the milk bank’s operations, an official from SICHN told the media.
The official, who requested anonymity, stated that SICHN would seek further guidance from both the CII and Darul Uloom Karachi. These institutions are pillars of religious scholarship, and their insights are crucial for navigating this complex issue.
The Human Milk Bank and Early Childhood Center at SICHN, Pakistan’s first Shariah-compliant facility of its kind, was inaugurated by Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho, alongside officials from UNICEF and the Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA), a few weeks ago. It aimed to provide breast milk to premature babies who could not receive adequate nutrition from their mothers.
In a statement issued on Friday, SICHN announced the suspension of the Human Milk Bank initiative, including the fatwas sought from religious scholars. The statement emphasized SICHN’s commitment to aligning its efforts with Islamic principles and values.
The Human Milk Bank was established after obtaining a fatwa from Darul Uloom Karachi on December 25, 2023. This fatwa ensured that the initiative was in harmony with Islamic teachings, reassuring the community and stakeholders. The milk bank aimed to support premature babies, particularly those born below 34 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 2 kg, who often lack sufficient breast milk for proper nutrition.The initial fatwa set conditions for establishing the milk bank, such as maintaining complete data of women contributing milk, providing the service free of cost, and ensuring the milk was from Muslim mothers for Muslim children. The milk also needed to be clean, free from bacteria, and from healthy mothers, with a database for monitoring.Despite these precautions, the recent revised fatwa prompted the suspension of the Human Milk Bank, reflecting SICHN’s dedication to operating within Islamic jurisprudence.“We are committed to ensuring that our healthcare initiatives are both scientifically sound and religiously compliant. We appreciate the community’s understanding and patience as we address this important issue. Our primary goal remains the health and well-being of children, and we are dedicated to finding solutions that honor both our medical and religious responsibilities,” the statement concluded.
