Taking the Government’s Swachchh Bharat Abhiyan started by the Prime Minister forward, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) will be conducting a campaign called ‘Swachchh Medical Centre-Swastha Bharat’ for a week where six wards of hospitals all over the country will be cleaned by medical students and IMA volunteers. Additionally, signs against spitting and littering will be put at all hospitals and on one day biomedical waste disposal will be carried out.
According to Dr Narendra Saini, general secretary IMA, one ward will be picked by students of various medical colleges who will clean the premises with the help of other volunteers. “The campaign will start on Friday and go on till November 14. Six most high density wards like that of burns, paediatrics and emergency will be chosen and one ward will be attended to every day. On the seventh day, a waste management drive will be held,” he said.
Waseem Ahmad, a medical student of University College of Medical Sciences (UCMS), elaborated, “We will ensure in all hospitals that proper hygiene is maintained in the hospitals. The patients will also be made aware about the importance of cleanliness and all students of medical colleges and even interns will be involved in this.” IMA will also arrange public meetings on Clean India Project inside or outside hospitals. Even cultural events and folk dances will be arranged to pass on the message to the public. “The aim is to ensure the involvement of IMA, IMA Students Wing, Young Doctors Wing, State Medical Council, Indian Dental Association, Pharmacy Council of India and other NGOs and NSS, NCC, service organisations and goodwill leaders in all the events and highlight their dedication,” said Saini.
Moreover, tree and sapling plantation inside hospitals will be held and hospital campuses will be made plastic free as far as possible. Rainwater harvesting and clean drinking water facility will also be ensured. Even drainage systems will be updated along with installation of water and effluent treatment plants.