PANAJI
The Hospital Infection Control Committee at GMC in Bambolim along with the Indian Medical Association students network, medical students, nursing students will observe the Global Hand Washing Week from October 15 to 21, by launching a campaign "Haath mein hai Vishwas."
They will promote hand washing in all wards of GMC and it also coincides with the Swachh Bharat Swasth Bharat Campaign.
"Handwashing is a simple, effective and affordable way to achieve good health. Proper hand washing with soap and water can prevent as many as 272 million yearly school days lost due to diarrhoeal disease, and 50% of infections acquired in health care settings," said Dr Savio Rodrigues, chairperson of the Hospital Infection Control Committee, GMC.
According to Dr Amit Dias, asst professor at GMC's Department of Preventive Medicine and secretary of the Hospital Infection Control Committee GMS, one may sometimes ignore this practice as microorganisms which cause disease are not visible to the naked eye, giving a false sense of cleanliness.
"The World Health Organisation declared Octover 15 as ‘Global Handwashing Day' to promote this activity in schools, households, medical facilities and in the routine life of each and every individual," explained Dr Dias.
"School teachers should teach students the importance of handwashing and facilities for the same should be freely available," Dr Dias added.
