Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon celebrated the Infection Control Week, from October 19-24, 2015. The theme for the same was Infection Prevention- Think Global, Act Local. Every third week of October is celebrated as the Infection Control week globally. The aim of such initiatives is to raise awareness about hospital acquired infections (HAI), educate the hospital staff, doctors and patients about infection control practices and above all to incorporate preventive aspects in the hospital operations to control the morbidity and mortality caused by HAI’s. This year’s theme highlights that today we live in a global environment where people are frequently travelling. This aspect combines with changing weather patterns is introducing emerging risks to us. Ebola, MER are examples of the same. Hence we have to prepared to control any local happening so that its global footprint can be controlled. Being aware and prepared is the best way forward.
According to statistics by WHO, 8.7% of the patients visiting the hospital acquire HAI’s. This risk of contracting infections is higher in developing countries than developed , due to lack of awareness , resources and non incorporation of safe practices. According to recent statistics shared by WHO the risk of HAI’s in developing countries is 2-20 times higher than the developed nations. Also a major issue is less research and documentation of HAI’s in India. The week was inaugurated by Dr Kousar Ali Shah, Zonal Director, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon and was supported by Dr Neeraj Bishnoi, GM Operations and Quality, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon.
According to Dr Nupur Gupta, Consultant Obstetrics & Gynaecology who also participated in the initiative, “ According to a recent report by India Working Group, approximately 190,000 new born infants die in India each year due to sepsis. 30% of this infection is due to antibiotic resistance acquired infections. We can easily prevent these deaths and infections by incorporating safe practices such as – stepping up our hygiene practices, doing frequent hand washing, following standard precautions and keeping the hospital environment clean.”
According to Dr VS Mehta, Director & HOD Neurosciences, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon, “ Hospital Acquired Infections is a major issue today. The key to control the same is in the hands of the clinical practitioners. All we need a positive approach and consistency. Basic clinical aspects like hand washing, using isolation rooms for infected patients, reminders to limit the catheter use, providing a clean and hygienic environment to the patient, control over excessive use of antibiotics and promoting the aspect of prevention and diagnostic tests, are just small changes that anyone can incorporate. Such aspects are not just for the big corporate hospitals, but they can be followed by nursing homes and smaller hospitals. We are clinicians and nurses should take it as our priority and ethic to promote infection control practices.”
Dr Manisha Khandait , Infection Control Incharge highlighted that, “Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon has been successful in incorporating major infection control practices. Every year we celebrate this week , to remind ourselves the importance of infection control and how we have to come together to curtail HAI’s. Our preventive steps has resulted in better clinical outcomes, fewer healthcare associated infections, reduced length of hospital stay, and less antimicrobial resistance, resulting in important cost saving for the health care system. Our hospital infection rate is less than 1% since last consecutive four years and the credit goes to every clinical department.
Paras Hospital organized a poster making competition amongst the nursing staff. Doctors, Nurses and Nursing Educators all participated in the event. The first prize was given to Snehlata and the second prize was given to Harneet. The nursing staff also pledged to practice hand hygiene and follow infection control practices. Activities and lectures were held in the hospital on the topic. Dr Huma Tahir from BD also participated in the Infection Control Week by hosting a lecture on , ‘Prevention of Sepsis’. The event raised awareness and motivated all to follow infection control practices clinically and incorporate the same in our everyday life.
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