Panaji, Sep 12 (TOI): Stressing that indoor air quality in critical spaces like hospitals was an important factor in preventing infection and diseases, the Goa chapter of the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE) has requested the state government to formulate and put in place a policy to monitor and ensure healthy air quality levels at medical institutions, including Goa Medical College. The letter has been addressed to deputy chief minister Francis D'Souza who holds the health portfolio.

"Goa, particularly the GMC, has come a long way in the last 10 years, but there is always scope for improvement," state head ISHRAE Mahesh Prabhu said while speaking on the sidelines of the annual convention for ISHRAE members.

Prabhu went on to add that the improvements could include the setting up and following of standard operating procedures, appointment of air quality consultants, efficient utilization of air conditioning technology and bacteria control in critical areas like ICUs and operation theatres.

National president of ISHRAE Ramachandran, who was also present at the convention, pointed out that the Bureau of Indian Standards had adopted standards on testing and rating of chillers used for large capacity air conditioning units that are utilized at resorts, hospitals and airports and that each sector was bound by law to follow these standards.