Goan-Origin Neonatologist Dr Armida Fernandez to Receive Padma Shri 2026
In a proud moment for the medical community and Goa, Dr Armida Fernandez, the distinguished Goan-origin neonatologist, will be conferred the Padma Shri for 2026 by President Droupadi Murmu. This prestigious award recognizes her exceptional contributions to the field of medicine, particularly in neonatology and child healthcare.
Early Life and Education
Born in Dharwad and with roots in Sao Mathias, Divar, Goa, Dr Fernandez is the daughter of the renowned Goan professor-poet Armando Menezes. She completed her MBBS in Hubbali and pursued her post-graduation at KEM Hospital in Mumbai, laying the foundation for her illustrious career.
Pioneering Work in Neonatology
Dr Fernandez made her mark in Maharashtra, where she collaborated with a group of neonatologists to establish the urban health NGO, Society for Nutrition, Education and Health Action (Sneha), in 1999. Her most notable achievement came in 1989 when she founded Asia's first human milk bank at the Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital and Medical College in Sion, Mumbai, where she served as HOD of neonatology and dean.
According to the hospital's website, this milk bank benefits nearly 3,000-5,000 babies annually, with 800-1,200 litres of human milk collected and fed to sick and vulnerable infants in the neonatal intensive care unit each year.
Transformative Impact on Healthcare
Dr Deepti Pinto Rosario, consultant obstetrician-gynaecologist at Pinto Rosario Hospital in Porvorim and Dr Fernandez's godchild, praised her visionary approach. "Dr Fernandez's visionary approach to newborn care, especially in underprivileged communities, helped transform paediatric care in India," she said.
Beyond neonatology, Dr Fernandez has focused on child nutrition and maternal health, actively promoting breastfeeding and supporting UNICEF's baby-friendly initiative for over three decades. Her hands-on dedication is evident in anecdotes like when she called Dr Pinto Rosario to emphasize the importance of breastfeeding after seeing a photo of her son with a bottle.
Innovative Practices and Community Outreach
Dr Fernandez was among the first to advocate for allowing mothers into neonatal ICUs to hold their newborns, a practice that significantly reduced neonatal mortality rates. She extended her hospital learnings to underprivileged communities, implementing simple yet effective policies to improve infant care.
"She took what she learned in the hospital and went out into underprivileged communities, staring into the face of poverty and implementing simple but effective policies to help them care for their infants," added Dr Pinto Rosario, who believes no one is more deserving of the Padma Shri.
The announcement on the eve of Republic Day has brought joy to Goa and the medical fraternity, celebrating a lifetime of service and innovation in healthcare.
