In a significant push to improve sanitation and hygiene standards across medical institutions, Punjab's Health and Family Welfare Minister, Dr Balbir Singh, personally launched a comprehensive cleanliness drive in Patiala district. The initiative, which took place on Monday, saw the minister conducting surprise inspections at key government health facilities to assess their condition firsthand.
Minister's Surprise Inspection and Directives
Dr Balbir Singh commenced his inspection tour at the Government Mata Kaushalya Hospital. He meticulously examined various sections of the hospital, paying close attention to the overall upkeep, waste management, and sanitation protocols. Following this, he visited the Urban Primary Health Centre located in the Model Town area of Patiala.
During these visits, the minister issued clear and firm instructions to the concerned officials and medical staff present. He emphasized the critical link between a clean healthcare environment and positive patient outcomes. Dr Singh directed the authorities to maintain impeccable hygiene standards within all healthcare facilities under their jurisdiction as a top priority.
A Drive for Systemic Improvement
The launch of this cleanliness drive is not an isolated event but part of a broader administrative effort. The minister was accompanied by a team of senior officials, including Patiala's Deputy Commissioner, Showkat Ahmed Parray, and the Municipal Corporation Commissioner, Aditya Dachalwal. This high-level participation underscores the government's serious intent.
The drive involves a multi-pronged strategy. It includes regular and surprise checks by officials, strict accountability for lapses, and a mandate for continuous maintenance. The focus is on creating a sustainable system of cleanliness rather than a one-time cleanup. The minister specifically stressed the importance of clean toilets, proper disposal of biomedical waste, and a pest-free environment in all health centers.
Accountability and Future Commitment
Dr Balbir Singh made it unequivocally clear that negligence in maintaining cleanliness would not be tolerated. He held the officials directly responsible for the state of the facilities and warned of strict action if standards were not met and sustained. The message was aimed at instilling a sense of ownership and urgency.
The initiative in Patiala is expected to serve as a model for similar drives across other districts in Punjab. The Health Department aims to institutionalize these checks, ensuring that every citizen visiting a government health facility receives care in a dignified, safe, and clean environment. This move is seen as a fundamental step towards strengthening public trust in the government's healthcare infrastructure.
The minister's hands-on approach, starting with the facilities in Patiala, signals a proactive shift in governance where ministers are directly engaging with ground-level realities to drive improvement.
