Cama Hospital in Mumbai to Open Central Sterile Supply Department to Tackle Hospital-Acquired Infections
Mumbai's Cama Hospital, a prominent maternity and pediatric facility in south Mumbai, is set to inaugurate a dedicated Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) in a significant move to combat hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). HAIs are infections caused by pathogens that patients contract during their hospital stay, posing serious health risks, particularly in sensitive environments like maternity and neonatal care units.
Addressing Critical Infection Risks in Maternity and Pediatric Care
Dr. Tushar Palve, the medical superintendent of Cama Hospital, highlighted that approximately 1% of patients develop post-surgical infections, with caesarean deliveries being a common source. "As a dedicated maternity and pediatric hospital, this issue is frequently observed after caesarean procedures," Dr. Palve stated. He emphasized the heightened danger for preterm neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), noting, "These infants are severely immunocompromised and require an extremely sterile environment to survive and thrive."
Overcoming Previous Sterilization Limitations
Previously, the hospital relied on autoclave systems for steam sterilization to eliminate bacteria and fungi from medical devices and surgical instruments. However, this method was limited and carried a higher risk of procedural lapses. Dr. Palve explained, "The old system increased the potential for cross-contamination and spillover infections, compromising patient safety." The new CSSD aims to rectify these shortcomings by implementing a controlled, end-to-end process that maintains sterility through every stage—from decontamination and cleaning to storage and distribution.
Investment and Operational Details of the New CSSD
Established at a cost exceeding Rs 2 crore, the CSSD took one year to become operational. Its primary function is to serve Cama Hospital, ensuring that all medical materials are processed under stringent sterile conditions. Beyond this, the unit has the potential to evolve into a centralized hub, supplying sterile medical supplies to smaller nearby hospitals and maternity homes, thereby extending its impact across the local healthcare network.
Broader Context of HAIs in India
In India, comprehensive data on hospital-acquired infections remains scarce, but past studies indicate a concerning prevalence. Research from 12 intensive care units across seven Indian hospitals reported an HAI rate of 4.4%, with public hospitals like Cama believed to face even higher rates due to resource constraints. The introduction of the CSSD at Cama Hospital represents a proactive step toward improving infection control standards and enhancing patient outcomes in a critical healthcare setting.
