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ON May 23rd, 2008, the French Ministry of Health launched a national hand cleanliness campaign targeting health care workers, patients, and the general public. The campaign emphasizes that proper hand hygiene is the key element in preventing and controlling nosocomial infections.
It is critical that a through cleansing of one’s hands with a liquid alcohol solution containing an emollient to protect the skin precedes all health care treatments, no matter where they are carried out. All health care establishments throughout the country should see to it that these solutions are available at patient’s bed. Health care workers would also be required to carry a small bottle of disinfectant in the pockets of their uniform. |
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PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF HOSPITAL-ACQUIRED INFECTIONS IN INDIA |
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Written by Christine Besson
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Monday, 13 February 2006 |
The major and very modern hospitals of India also worry about the serious rise of hospital-acquired infections (nosocomial infections). 
Interestingly, an increase in HAIs has been registered not only in the developing world, where poor quality health service is more a daily reality, but also in highly industrialized countries. The World Health Organisation (WHO), which has made 2006 the year for nosocomial infections, calls HAIs a major cause of death and disability for patients.
India appears to have the same rate of HAIs (20% to 25%) as in most industrialized countries in Europe or the United-States. India health Centers have started giving a priority to the control of these infections. Most big Indian hospitals have set up elaborate protocols to control infection rates. It is extremely important, especially for those hospitals wishing to get international accreditation, to maintain the best practices and protocols possible.
“Adherence to good hand hygiene practices is the most important factor in preventing hospital acquired infections. We keep alcohol hand rubs at each patient bed-side and at entrances in critical care units to ensure compliance among healthcare staff and visitors.
We conduct monthly audits and random checks in OT and Cath Lab for doctors and nurses. We also adhere to guidelines for care of in-dwelling devices in patients, like IV lines, urinary catheters, etc, besides adherence to Infectious Disease Society of America & British Society of Anitimicrobial Chemotherapy guidelines on treatment of community acquired as well as hospital acquired infections to limit the spread of antimicrobial resistance.”
For example The hospital chains Apollo Group and Fortis have implemented multi-disciplinary task teams, that are formed of various hospital employees, from doctors to house-keeping staff. These teams meet regularly to keep hygiene levels at their best.
“We have set procedures and systems to measure infection rates and very strong antibiotic policy to prevent its abuse. Fortis has an elaborate policy on assessing the risk level of patients and applies strict standards in the premises,” says Dr Manoj Rai Mehta, medical superintendent, Fortis Healthcare Ltd, Noida. |
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