Kasturba Health Society observed Swachhta Pakhwada, a fortnight-long cleanliness drive, from 17th September-2nd October 2024, across Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (MGIMS), Kasturba Hospital, Kasturba Nursing College, Kasturba Nursing School, and its community centers and adopted villages. In alignment with the nationwide Swachh Bharat Mission, the Swachhata Pakhwada initiatives involved active participation from faculty, staff, students, and local communities.
This year’s theme, Swabhav Swachhata; Sanskaar Swachhata, highlighted the importance of instilling cleanliness in habits and values. The campaign spanned multiple initiatives aimed at promoting cleanliness, personal hygiene, and environmental sanitation.
Sampoorna Swachhata Campaign
The Sampoorna Swachhata campaign saw active participation from students and faculty across different departments. Cleanliness drives were conducted in hospital premises, wards, classrooms, hostels, departments and various public areas. The staff and students of MGIMS, Kasturba Nursing College and Kasturba Nursing School played a key role, engaging in shramdan to clean the premises.
The faculty, staff, and students visited nearby communities to raise awareness about safe hygiene practices. Health talks focused on topics such as handwashing, open defecation, environmental sanitation, and the use of cloth bags in an effort to curb plastic waste. These sessions, conducted in collaboration with ASHA workers, social workers, and health professionals, aimed to empower rural communities with knowledge about maintaining personal and community hygiene.
Swachhata Ki Bhaagidaari
Public workshops were held to demonstrate correct handwashing techniques and the proper segregation and disposal of biomedical waste. These efforts were part of a larger drive to improve hygiene standards in healthcare settings and among the general public.
Recognizing the vital role of education in sustaining cleanliness efforts, the institute reached out to local schools, engaging children in handwashing demonstrations and health talks. Students participated in cleanliness rallies, poster competitions, and exhibitions aimed at promoting Swachhata. In addition, self-help groups (SHGs) and village health nutrition sanitation committees (VHNSCs) were trained in personal hygiene and environmental cleanliness, with demonstrations on safe water practices like well chlorination and the use of “Jeevan Drops.”
Safai Mitra Suraksha and Community Health
This initiative included health check-ups for sanitation workers at Kasturba Hospital and surrounding areas, and the distribution of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits to frontline workers.
The Swachhata Pledge was taken by hundreds of students, staff members, and community participants during the campaign, reinforcing a collective commitment to cleanliness. Furthermore, a rally was conducted to promote awareness about Swachhata, with participants marching through local villages, advocating for cleaner public spaces and encouraging the adoption of better hygiene habits.
“Kasturba Health Society is committed towards a cleaner and healthier environment. We continue to engage with local communities, schools, and healthcare providers to further promote the importance of cleanliness and hygiene for a healthier future”, said Dr BS Garg (Secretary, Kasturba Health Society).