Odisha Govt Urges Malls, Businesses to Set Up Breastfeeding Centres

Bhubaneswar: As part of World Breastfeeding Week, the Odisha Government has stepped up efforts to promote maternal and child health by calling on private establishments, particularly shopping malls, to set up breastfeeding centres and clean toilet facilities for women.

Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, who also heads the Women and Child Development Department, made the appeal, stating that malls where over 75% of visitors are women must ensure the availability of such basic infrastructure. “If these facilities are missing, it adversely affects women’s health,” she said.

The state plans to gradually establish breastfeeding centres in key public areas including bus stands, railway stations, markets, government offices, and public grievance redressal sites. A dedicated female attendant will be posted at each railway station to assist women using these facilities.

Marking the occasion, the state’s first official breastfeeding centre was inaugurated at the Odisha State Commission for Women. The department also launched two new websites and rolled out the Lok Kalyan App, which allows social workers to engage with the State Women Welfare Board.

Highlighting the health benefits of breastfeeding, Minister Parida noted that it significantly improves child nutrition and helps prevent diseases such as breast cancer and type-2 diabetes in mothers. She urged the private sector to partner with the government in creating private, hygienic breastfeeding rooms in commercial spaces.

“We are seeking collaboration from the business community. They should lead by example and provide comfortable spaces for breastfeeding mothers,” she added.