OREANDA-NEWS. “To implement the vision and philosophy behind Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan launched by the Hon. Prime Minister, the Health Ministry launched the Kayakalp initiative last year to set protocols for hygiene and sanitation at government health facilities. The initiative towards total “Swacchta” in public health facilities is aimed towards building confidence of the users in public health facilities, provide quality service and encourage team work” stated Shri J P Nadda, Minister for Health and Family Welfare, here today. He added that the initiative will encourage every public health facility in the country to work towards standards of excellence to help the facilities stay clean and hygienic.

The Union Health Minister was speaking at the launch of the ‘Kayakalp Fortnight’ which shall be observed throughout the country in various central government hospitals from 20th May, 2016 to 3rd June, 2016 with a view to intensifying the Kayakalp initiatives under the Swachch Bharat Abhiyaan. Shri Nadda launched the Kayakalp Fortnight at AIIMS, New Delhi today. Shri Nadda stated that as part of the various activities to be taken up during the fortnight, senior officers of the Ministry will be inspecting various Central Hospitals in the country to take stock of the existing status and to intensify the Swachhta drive. The States have been requested to take up similar campaigns in their respective States.

During his visit, the Union Health Minister reviewed the practices followed for maintaining cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene within and outside the premises of AIIMS and visited various wards including the OTs, ICUs, Emergency and private wards. The Union Minister also took rounds of disposal areas and toilets to review the protocols. Shri Nadda had a meeting with the Director and other senior officers and doctors of various facilities/wards to get inputs on the protocols followed and suggestions on how to further enhance these. As part of Kayakalp, standards and protocols have been put in place for upkeep of services within and outside the buildings; support services such as laundry and food are provided at various locations; waste management as per standards is undertaken; and infection control measures are taken. Committees and sub-committees are formed to periodically review and monitor the progress made in these areas.

Shri Nadda interacted with patients during his visit and sought their feedback on the Kayakalp initiative, and also their suggestions on how to further enhance the standards of cleanliness at the premier hospital of the country. “I am happy to note that the patients and their caregivers have shown satisfaction in the standards set by us. It validates our hard work”, he stated.