Media Release
Udupi, Oct 18: Kasturba hospital, Manipal, observed Global Hand Washing day on October 15 in association with Shulke for creating awareness to the Patients, visitors and general public. Dr T M A Pai Hospital Udupi and Dr T M A Pai Rotary Hospital Karkala also joined hands in this event. This awareness programme started from 5 am in the morning at all the entrances of OPD till 5 pm. Approximately 20,000 members participated in the hand sanitisation awareness programme across three hospitals of Manipal, Udupi and Karkala.
Dr Sharath K Rao, dean, KMC Manipal, Dr Anil Bhat, associate dean, Dr Avinash Shetty, medical superintendent, C G Muthana, COO, Kasturba Hospital Manipal and representatives of Shulke were present in the Inauguration of this large awareness programme.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sharath K Rao said, “From 2008 onwards Hand washing day is being celebrating globally. It is important to spread this message to create awareness, as 50% of the Respiratory disease and abdominal infections caused due to unhygienic factor. So this is very important for all of us to keep our hands clean to maintain good health.”
Dr Avinash Shetty said, “Basically this awareness programme is organised to create awareness about hand hygiene. It is very important to take care of hand hygiene of patient and caretakers. I wholeheartedly acknowledge the works done and efforts taken by the Infection control department of the Hospital, Schulke, and all the people who are involved in this noble cause.”
Dr Vandana K E, president of Hospital Infection Control Committee, welcomed the gathering and gave the overview of the programme.
Presently, Kasturba Hospital Manipal is the Guinness World record holder from 2016 till date for Hand Sanitization Relay. Kasturba Hospital Manipal was one of the hospital, nationally nominated from Karnataka and this region by IHW Council, India for CSR Health Impact Award, this year on June 26, 2019, under the WASH Initiative for creating social awareness on hand aanitization in the country.