Senior neonatologist Dr. Armida Fernandez has been awarded the Padma Shri, India’s third highest civilian honours, in the Republic Day 2026 Padma Awards list for her distinguished contributions to maternal, infant and child health, particularly in vulnerable urban communities. The honour recognises her pioneering work in neonatal care, especially her role in establishing Asia’s first human milk bank in Asia and advancing breastfeeding support.
Dr. Armida Fernandez was born in Hubli, Karnataka, into a family with Goan roots. She completed her MBBS in Hubli and later pursued her post-graduate training at KEM Hospital, Mumbai, before embarking on a long career in neonatal medicine. She served as Professor and Head of the Department of Neonatology and later as Dean at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General (LTMG) Hospital, also known as Sion Hospital, in Mumbai.
In 1989, Dr. Fernandez spearheaded the establishment of the first human milk bank in India and Asia at Sion Hospital, a milestone in neonatal care that provided safe, pasteurised donor breast milk to premature and critically ill newborns who could not be fed directly by their mothers. This initiative played a significant role in reducing infant morbidity and mortality and has continued to benefit thousands of vulnerable infants annually.
Human milk banking involves collecting, screening, processing and dispensing breast milk donated by lactating mothers, offering essential nutrition and immune protection to infants at high risk. These facilities are now recognised as an important component of neonatal healthcare, complementing neonatal intensive care units across India.
Beyond her clinical achievements, Dr. Fernandez was a strong advocate for breastfeeding and maternal health. She collaborated with UNICEF to develop a Breastfeeding Manual, training modules and educational videos used to train doctors, nurses and hospital staff in Maharashtra and other states. Her efforts also extended to the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, supporting maternity homes and programmes such as Mother & Infant & Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) aimed at improving nutrition outcomes for mothers and infants.
Medical community around India has congratulated her on receiving the Padma Shri.
In 1999, Dr. Fernandez co-founded Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action (SNEHA), a Mumbai-based non-governmental organisation focusing on maternal and child health, nutrition, adolescent health, women’s empowerment, and prevention of violence against women and children. SNEHA’s work has expanded into urban informal settlements, reaching nearly one million people across Maharashtra and other states through a network of more than 400 full-time staff and 800 volunteers.
Dr. Fernandez also made contributions beyond neonatology; she served as Medical Director at Holy Family Hospital, Bandra, and established the Romila Palliative Care Centre for patients with life-limiting illnesses in honour of her late daughter. Her leadership in neonatal and maternal health has influenced generations of healthcare professionals and shaped public health practices in India.
Her work in Neonatology has given her the name as "Mother of Indian Neonatology" for all her contributions.
The Padma Shri award, conferred by the Government of India on Republic Day, recognises individuals for distinguished service in various fields. Dr. Fernandez’s award highlights her decades of work in neonatal care, breastfeeding support and public health systems, particularly for underserved populations.