Global Hand Hygiene Day commemorated at OCHRI
Clean hands – a recipe for good health
Recently, “Global Handwashing Day” was commemorated at Orange City Hospital & Research Institute. This event was jointly organized under aegis of Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), Nagpur Chapter at NABH fully accredited Orange City Hospital & Research Institute. Dr. Devayani Buche, Senior Physician-OCHRI, was keynote speaker on this occasion.
In her speech, Dr. Buche stated that, “Every year October 15th is marked as a Global Handwashing Day. Global Handwashing Day is a global advocacy day dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding about the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way to prevent diseases. Global Handwashing Day is an opportunity to design, test, and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands properly with soap at critical times.”
Dr. Nikhil Balankhe, Chairperson, SCCM- Nagpur Chapter expressed that, “Hands are the leading carriers of germs that cause diarrhoea and respiratory infections like pneumonia. Handwashing at critical times – such as before a meal or after using the toilet – stops the spread of disease-causing germs. Consistent handwashing with soap reduces the incidence of diarrhoea by nearly half and respiratory infections by 25% among children under 5 years. Handwashing with soap is a simple, but critical, way to ensure overall health.”
Dr. Vidya Nair, Director (Quality), Ravi Nair Hospitals Private Limited told that, “Hand hygiene is described by many health care workers as the single most important tool in preventing the spread of health care-associated infections between patients. Hence, at OCHRI, we motivate and insist our staff for frequent handwashing. Such practices have shown positive results in faster patient recovery.”
Complimenting efforts of SCCM on undertaking this endeavour of sensitising one and all about the importance of regular proper Handwashing; Dr. Anup Marar, OCHRI Director added that, “This year, the Global Handwashing Day theme focused on the links between handwashing and food – including food hygiene and nutrition. Handwashing is an important part of keeping food safe, preventing diseases, and helping children grow strong. This year’s tagline, “Clean hands – a recipe for health”, reminds us to make proper handwashing a part of every meal.”
Dr. Deepak Dongre, Dr. Supriya Bulbule, Dr. Himanshu Kotamkar, Ms. Jessy Abraham, Nursing I/c, Ms. Sindhu Rao, Ms. Nisha, Ms. Kumari Shaji, Ms. Savita Shende, Ms. Rosamma Raju, Ms. Sunita Patil, Ms. Preethi Joseph, Ms. Mary Chako, Ms. Kavita Bodile, Ms. Deepali Kawwal, WSS and large number of doctors and nursing staff were present on this occasion. Ms. Rahel Patrange, Ms. Shincy Jenson, Infection Control Nurses, Shri. Prashant Tichkule and Shri. Madhukar Chanore worked hard for the success of this program.