DMCH Ludhiana observes World Hand Hygiene Day

Ludhiana, May 5, 2018: Every year 5th May is observed as “World Hand Hygiene Day”. In view of this, DMCH today conducted awareness lectures and interactive session for patients and their attendants in OPD & ICU Block areas of the hospital. During the session, the audience was told about importance of six hand-washing techniques recommended by World Health Organization (WHO).

Department of Microbiology & Hospital Infection Control Committee conducted role play and gave message to the public that clean hands prevent infection and stop illness and other ailments cold at home , school, restaurants and at work place. They also highlighted the benefits of clean hands.

Secretary of DMCH Managing Society- Sh Prem Kumar Gupta said that DMCH has been constantly providing preventive and promotives health care facilities to the people of the region. Sh Gupta congratulated the Hospital Infection Control Team and lauded the efforts of all the stake holders in helping to decrease Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAI).

Dean Academics Dr Rajoo Singh Chinna (Chairperson, Hospital Infection Control Committee) unfolded the theme of ‘World Hand Hygiene Day’ this year "It's in your hands - Prevent Sepsis in Healthcare". The theme brings to light the need for a greater focus on hand hygiene battle against antibiotic resistance.

Dr Deepinder Chhina (Professor & Head of Microbiology) talked about the importance of hand hygiene and explained that we should strictly wash our hands before eating and preparing food. She advised that washing hands properly can prevent transmission of infections in health care facilities with superbugs like Methicillin resistant staphylococcus avreus, venocymcin resistant enterococci, Multi drug resistant organisms etc.

Six steps for Hand Hygiene (recommended by WHO) include:
? Rub palm to palm
? Right palm over back of left hand and left palm over back of right hand
? Palm to palm, with bent and spread out fingers
? Backs of fingers to opposing palms with fingers interlocked
? Circular rubbing of left thumb in closed right hand and vice versa
? Circular rubbing, backwards and forwards with closed right hand fingertips in left palm and vice-versa
Principal Dr Sandeep Puri, Medical Supdt Dr Sandeep Sharma and Dr Rajinder Kumar Bansal were also present on the occasion.