Hyderabad has been recognised as India’s first ‘Formula-Free City’, with the declaration made during the sixth UNICEF South Asia Chapter LAMBCON 2026 hosted by Yashoda Hospitals, Hitec City.
The three-day international conference, held from October 2 to 4, brought together more than 1,000 healthcare professionals, clinicians and nutrition experts. Organised by the Sushena Health Foundation and Dhaatri Mothers’ Milk Bank in collaboration with UNICEF India, the event focused on strengthening breastfeeding practices and expanding access to human milk banking.
The conference was inaugurated by Telangana Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, former Union Health Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey and Yashoda Group Chairman Gorukanti Ravinder Rao.
Held under the theme ‘From Evidence to Impact: Transforming Newborn Care Through Breastfeeding and Human Milk Banking’, LAMBCON 2026 highlighted the need to improve India’s human milk banking network, particularly for vulnerable newborns who cannot receive breast milk directly from their mothers.
According to the organisers, India needs more than 1,000 human milk banks across hospitals, while only around 65–70 facilities are currently operational.New Mother’s Milk Bank Launched
A major development at the conference was the inauguration of the Yashodamma Mother’s Milk Bank at Yashoda Hospitals, Hitec City. The facility is the 11th human milk bank in Hyderabad established by the Sushena Health Foundation, according to the organisers.
The conference also saw the unveiling of the Deccan Declaration, along with the announcement recognising Hyderabad as the country’s first ‘Formula-Free City’.
To further assist breastfeeding mothers, the organisers announced a dedicated lactation support helpline. The initiative is aimed at helping nursing mothers access guidance and support when they face challenges related to breastfeeding.
The conference underlined the importance of coordinated efforts among hospitals, healthcare professionals, policymakers and community organisations to improve breastfeeding rates and expand human milk banking infrastructure. The Hyderabad declaration is expected to add further momentum to efforts aimed at ensuring that more newborns, particularly those requiring specialised neonatal care, have access to human milk.
(Photo courtesy: X/tg_governor)