Kerala: Panel moves to ensure breastfeeding

KOZHIKODE: State commission for protection of child rights (KeSCPCR) is mulling to draft a recommendation to strengthen breastfeeding in the wake of denial of breastfeed to a newborn at Mukkam. Though an isolated case, the incident unravels the tremendous influence of superstitions in rural heartlands in the name of religion and customs. “We are drafting a recommendation to ward off these kinds of practices. Though government has breast feeding awareness programmes through the Integrated Child development Services (ICDS) scheme, it needs to be streamlined,” said KeSCPCR member Adv K. Naseer Chaliyam.

The recommendation to the Social Justice Director will include entitling hospitals with a crucial role in ensuring breastfeeding. Authorities are amused by the Mukkam incident as the father of the newborn who denied the breastfeeding was not an illiterate or unknowing about the things going around. “He was a regular social media user. When the issue broke out, he apologised through his Facebook page,” said an official at district child protection unit. Officials were of the opinion that rather than government intervention only a political will nail such issues.

Police was also at the receiving end in handling the case. "Police can charge suo moto case against the father under the Juvenile Justice Act as it is a cognizable offence. But Mukkam police insisted on someone filing a complaint," said an official who wished anonymity. The case was charged only after the nurse of the hospital filed a complaint.