IPOH: Concerned by the increasing number of baby-dumping cases, non-governmental organisation OrphanCare Foundation has established an additional baby hatch at a hospital in Bangi, Selangor.

       The foundation’s chief executive officer Datin Paduka Che Asmah Ibrahim said the hatch was placed at the An-Nur Specialist Hospital in Bandar Baru Bangi.

       She said currently, OrphanCare itself had three hatches located in Petaling Jaya, Sungai Petani and Johor Baru.

       Che Asmah added that through the NGO's partnership with KPJ Hospitals, a total of seven hatches had been established nationwide.

       “We are happy to announce the additional baby hatch established just recently in October at the An-Nur Specialist Hospital.

       “This latest hatch is expected to serve the southern region of Selangor, and areas within the radius,” she said.

       Che Asmah said a recent statement by the police revealed that 424 babies were found abandoned between 2018 and September this year.

       She said from that figure, 283 of the babies were found dead, and that represented 60% of the total number of babies who were dumped.

       “On average, nine babies are dumped each month,” she added.

       Che Asmah said 450 babies had been saved through the OrphanCare baby hatch programme from 2010 to date.

       She said the NGO was focusing on saving lives, so that those who are facing the dilemma of unplanned pregnancies will have the option of saving their babies without being judged or stigmatised.

       “We are in the midst of submitting a proposal to government hospitals to have hatches at their premises, probably starting from smaller hospitals in remote areas.

       “The hatches are not intended to encourage unplanned pregnancies out of wedlock, but we are here to prevent baby dumping and save lives.

       “Putting a baby in a hatch is saving a baby’s life, rather than abandoning them to die,” she added.

       Che Asmah said OrphanCare continued to create awareness to prevent baby dumping through reproductive health programmes to educate girls and boys on unsafe sexual activities.

       She said the foundation managed to deliver these health talks online to more than 3,500 students nationwide this year.

       “We will continue with our advocacy work in preventing baby dumping, and giving a second chance for a baby to be raised with the love and care of a family,” she added.