Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 17: Global Hand Washing Day celebrated world over on October 15 was observed by the Hospital Infection Control Department along with the Nursing Service Department at Father Muller Medical College Hospital.

The inauguration was held in the morning at the entrance of Asha Kiran block.

Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director, Father Muller Charitable Institutions presided over the function and Dr Udaya Kumar, medical superintendent, Father Muller Medical College Hospital was the chief guest.

Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, administrator of Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Fr Ajith Menezes, administrator, Father Muller Medical College, Fr Nelson Pais, assistant administrator of Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Sr Jacintha D’Souza, principal Father Muller College of Nursing, Dr Rekha B, HICC chairperson and Dr Thomas S K, HICO, the staff nurses and interns were present at the inaugural.

Dr Thomas S K welcomed the gathering of doctors, ANS’s, nurses; ward in-charges, link nurses, male and female orderlies. This was followed by the unveiling of the banner of this year’s Global Hand Washing Day themed 'Clean hands for all' and releasing of balloons by the dignitaries.

Dr Rekha B pledged the oath on hand hygiene. A demonstration of WHO six steps of hand hygiene was done by Sabitha B Pinto, hospital infection control nurse.

Dr Uday Kumar in his message stressed the importance of handwashing not only at the hospital level, but also to raise awareness of the same in schools in and around Mangaluru.

Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, in his presidential address, mentioned that there is no substitute for hand wash in the prevention of hospital-acquired infections and everyday practice reduces the lost work/study hours.

As part of the celebrations, events such as hand hygiene drills were conducted at the hospital conference hall by the HIC nurses and ward level and OTs by ANS’s with announcements on the importance of this day being aired on the hospital's PA system at 11 am and at 3 pm. WHO hand hygiene audits will be done during the week and those who excel in the audits will be awarded prizes. Henita, ANS proposed the vote of thanks.

October 15 is Global Handwashing Day, 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 and save lives. Global Handwashing Day is an opportunity to design, test and replicate creative ways to encourage people to wash their hands with soap at critical times.

Worldwide, 30,000 women and 4,00,000 babies die every year from infections, such as puerperal sepsis, often caused by lack of water, sanitation and poor hand-washing practices. In an era of antimicrobial resistance, all midwives must wash their hands at key moments – Before and after touching a patient, before medical procedures and after being exposed to bodily fluids. Handwashing with soap contributes to better health, nutrition, education and equity. This practice can help achieve many of the sustainable development goals as advocated by the World Health Organisation.

The Father Muller Medical College Hospital is a premier hospital in Mangaluru which has been completely NABH accredited and follows stringent asepsis rules.