Government Directs Private Hospitals to Establish Breastfeeding Rooms

​Kathmandu. The government has directed all private hospitals and clinics across the country to establish and operate breastfeeding rooms in a systematic manner.

The Family Welfare Division under the Department of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene, issued a letter stating this directive. The letter, signed by Dr. Madankumar Upadhyay, Director of the Division, mentioned that this step has been taken considering the current scenario where mothers who are breastfeeding are not able to breastfeed easily in public places, health institutions, workplaces, and during emergencies.

​This arrangement has been made mandatory in accordance with the Breastfeeding Room Establishment and Operation Procedure, 2080, to contribute to the overall development of children by promoting, protecting, and supporting breastfeeding.

The Division has requested all private hospitals and clinics to establish and operate breastfeeding rooms as soon as possible in a systematic manner. Copies of this letter have also been provided to the Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Food Hygiene, the Director-General of the Department of Health Services, and the Public Information Coordination Branch of the Ministry.