Clean Sweep:SAkeena Itoo Launches Drive for Spotless Hospitals

Jammu,January 01,NSR:

Health Minister Sakeena Itoo has emphasized the urgent need for a complete overhaul of sanitation and cleanliness measures in all Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), District Hospitals, and other healthcare facilities across Jammu and Kashmir. She stressed that hygiene and sanitation are central to quality patient care and public trust.

Itoo directed Principals and Medical Superintendents to ensure strict adherence to cleanliness protocols, regular monitoring of sanitation standards, and accountability at every level. She also called for zero tolerance towards unhygienic hospitals, declaring that unclean hospitals are a moral, cultural, and ethical betrayal.

The Minister’s directives include forming committees for daily inspections, establishing an Audit Committee for fortnightly inspections, and providing cash rewards and certifications to staff involved in maintaining cleanliness and sanitation. Defective wheelchairs, trolleys, and unhygienic beds will be replaced to improve infrastructure.

Itoo emphasized that hospitals should reflect an environment of safety, dignity, and compassion for patients and their attendants. She highlighted the importance of respecting sanitation workers, stating, "A hospital that disrespects its sanitation workers can never be truly clean”.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the MD JKMSCL, Principals of GMCs, and Medical Superintendents of district hospitals. Would you like to know more about the initiatives taken by the J&K government to improve healthcare infrastructure or the role of sanitation workers in maintaining hospital cleanliness?