Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 1: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today emphasized on the urgent need for a complete revamp of sanitation and cleanliness measures in all Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), District Hospitals, Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) and other healthcare facilities across the J&K, underscoring that hygiene and sanitation is central to quality patient care and public trust.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on cleanliness and sanitation measures in health facilities of Jammu division, in line with the yesterday’s meeting of Kashmir division, the Minister called for zero tolerance policy towards unhygienic hospitals, directing the Principals and Medical Superintendents to ensure strict adherence to cleanliness protocols, regular monitoring of sanitation standards and accountability at every level. She stressed that hospitals and other facilities must reflect an environment of safety, dignity and compassion for patients and their attendants.
The Minister issued strong and emotionally charged directions for absolute cleanliness, discipline, and accountability in all hospitals across Jammu & Kashmir, declaring that unclean hospitals are not merely an administrative failure but a moral, cultural and ethical betrayal.
The Minister directed the department to frame Audit Committee at Central level and conduct routine inspection on fortnightly basis of health facilities across Jammu and Kashmir, with particular focus on sanitation and cleanliness measures.
The Minister expressed deep concern over ground observations during hospital visits, stating that the most disturbing issue was not lack of doctors or effort, but lack of ownership. She categorically stated that cleanliness is everyone’s responsibility, from the Director and Principals to the last sanitation worker.
She also asked the Medical Superintendents to award cash rewards, certifications for sanitation workers, doctors or other staff involved in maintaining the cleanliness and sanitation of the hospitals.
The Minister directed the Principals and Medical Superintendents to form Committees at their levels who would carry inspection regarding cleanliness in their respective hospitals on daily basis. She further directed them to carry out awareness among the attendants regarding Dos and Don’ts in the hospital premises. She also asked them to take firm action against visitors violating cleanliness norms.
The Minister called for periodic audits, improved waste management systems, strengthening of housekeeping services, and enhanced coordination with concerned agencies to address gaps in cleanliness and infrastructure. She also instructed hospital administrations to sensitize staff and service providers on maintaining hygiene and patient-friendly surroundings.
The meeting, among others, was attended by MD JKMSCL, Tariq Hussain Ganai; Principal GMC Jammu, Dr. Ashotush Gupta; Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar; Director Family Welfare and Immunization, Dr. Poonam Sethi; Director Finance Health and Medical Education, Director Planning Health and Medical Education, Principal Government Dental College Jammu, Principals of GMCs of Kathua, Doda, Rajouri and Udhampur, Medical Superintendents of all district Hospitals of Jammu division, CMOs and other concerned officers either in person or through video conferencing.
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