KUCHING: Borneo Medical Centre (BMC) has established a baby hatch facility to complement efforts to address infant abandonment and teenage pregnancy in Sarawak.
Women, Early Childhood and Community Well-being Development Minister Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the facility serves as a vital support system to provide assistance to pregnant teenagers and save unwanted babies from the stigma they often face.
“The first baby hatch in Sarawak was inaugurated on Jan 20, 2017, by KPJ Kuching Specialist Hospital and has since saved five babies, with four found alive and one found deceased.
“However, due to the hospital’s recent relocation to a new building, the baby hatch at KPJ Kuching was temporarily suspended while a suitable location is sought, taking into account technical, safety and confidentiality aspects,”she at the launching of BMC’s baby hatch on Wednesday.
She said abandoned babies will undergo immediate health examinations by paediatric specialists if they are found alive, then they will handed over to Sarawak General Hospital and the Department of Social Welfare for further care and action.
“The issue of baby dumping in Sarawak is closely linked to various factors, including teenage pregnancy, lack of sexual education and awareness, and the stigma attached to pregnancies out of wedlock.
“To combat these issues effectively, real solutions must target the root causes and involve various stakeholders, including parents, teachers, government agencies, and NGOs,”she added.
Statistics from the Women and Children Sexual Investigation Unit at the Sarawak police headquarters reveal that between January 2016 and August this year, 52 cases of baby or fetal abandonment were recorded.
In addition to baby hatch facilities, the Ministry, through the Department of Social Welfare, operates Taman Seri Puteri, a protection facility for teenage pregnant mothers.
This facility provides support to teenage mothers before, during, and after childbirth, including academic and vocational training programmes, counseling, sports and recreation activities.
With the availability of support systems like the baby hatch and Taman Seri Puteri, Sarawak is hoping to make significant strides in addressing the issue of baby dumping and providing crucial support to pregnant teenagers.
