Early Times Report DODA, Aug 1: On the directions of the worthy Mission Director NHM J&K Ms Akriti Sagar (IAS) and Director Health Services Jammu Dr Poonam Sethi and under the guidance of Principal Govt Medical College Doda, Dr. Dev Raj Dogra, and Chief Medical Officer Doda, Dr. Vinod Sharma, World Breastfeeding Week was observed with an awareness programme at AH GMC Doda, on 01-08-2026. The programme was organised by the District Health Society Doda and witnessed the participation of Dr. Narinder Singh, Dr. Niraj Kumar and Dr. R.S. Manhas from the Department of Paediatrics, GMC Doda, BMO Ghat, Dr. Abdul Gafoor, Dy Medical Superintendent, AH GMC Doda, Dr. Irfan Tasaduq Kelam, healthcare staff, nursing students and lactating mothers. During the programme, senior faculty members from the Department of Paediatrics, including Dr. Niraj Kumar, Dr. R.S. Manhas and Dr. Narinder Singh, delivered informative lectures highlighting the significance of early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and continued breastfeeding along with complementary feeding for optimal child growth, development and disease prevention. Speaking on the occasion, CMO Doda, Dr. Vinod Sharma, and Dy. Medical Superintendent, AH GMC Doda, Dr. Irfan Tasaduq Kelam, emphasised the importance of observing World Breastfeeding Week and urged mothers and families to adopt optimal breastfeeding practices for ensuring a healthy start to every child's life. The programme also featured speeches by nursing students of GMC Doda, who highlighted the health, nutritional and emotional benefits of breastfeeding for both infants and mothers and stressed the need for collective efforts to promote breastfeeding awareness in the community. |