Goan Neonatologist Armida Fernandez Awarded Padma Shri

Renowned neonatologist Dr Armida Fernandez, who established Asia’s first human milk bank, has been selected for the Padma Shri 2026 in the field of medicine. The award was announced by the Ministry of Home Affairs on the eve of Republic Day. Though based in Mumbai, the honour has been widely celebrated in Goa, where she traces her family roots.

Pioneering Asia’s First Human Milk Bank

Dr Armida Fernandez set up Asia’s first human milk bank in 1989 at the Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital and Medical College in Sion, Mumbai. At the time, such facilities were virtually unknown in the region. The initiative transformed neonatal care for premature and critically ill infants, providing life-saving nutrition when mothers were unable to breastfeed. Hospital data shows that the milk bank benefits nearly 3,000 to 5,000 babies annually.

Academic Training and Professional Journey

Dr Fernandez completed her MBBS in Hubballi and her post-graduation from KEM Hospital, Mumbai. She went on to serve as head of the department of neonatology and later dean at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College. In 1999, she co-founded the Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action (SNEHA), an urban health NGO focusing on maternal and child health among underprivileged communities in Maharashtra.

Champion of Breastfeeding and Maternal Health

Beyond clinical practice, Dr Fernandez devoted over three decades to promoting breastfeeding and child nutrition. She was closely associated with UNICEF’s Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and consistently advocated evidence-based newborn care. One of her early interventions involved allowing mothers into neonatal intensive care units to hold and care for their babies, a practice that led to a significant reduction in neonatal mortality rates in public hospitals.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Padma Shri is India’s fourth-highest civilian award.
• Asia’s first human milk bank was established in Mumbai in 1989.
• Human milk banks support premature and critically ill newborns.
• Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is promoted by UNICEF and WHO.

Legacy and National Recognition

Colleagues describe Dr Fernandez as a visionary who combined medical excellence with grassroots public health action. Her work extended beyond hospitals into vulnerable communities, where simple, low-cost interventions improved infant survival. The Padma Shri recognises her lasting contribution to neonatology, maternal health and equitable healthcare delivery in India.