Hand washing can control infections: Experts

Reporters Today, Bhubaneswar, May 25: A simple procedure of hand washing can control infections and prevent spread of antibiotic resistance.

“This simple procedure has proved to be effective in control of infections as this have remained a worldwide problem in hospitals and health care facilities with consequences,” Dr. Pushparaj Samantasinhar, Medical Superintendent of IMS and SUM Hospital, said at a function held in the hospital to mark the World Hand Hygiene Day and International Nurses Day on Friday.

Though the World Hand Hygiene Day is observed on May 5 and the International Nurses Day celebrated on May 12, the programmes could not be organised in the hospital in the aftermath of extremely severe cyclonic storm ‘Fani’ which wrought destruction in coastal Odisha on May 3.

The International Nurses Day is observed on the birth anniversary of Florence Nightingale.

Speaking on hand hygiene, Dr. Samantasinhar said several constraints like busy schedule of work maintenance of hand hygiene has got neglected leading to serious health problems. “Infections can lead to prolonged stay in hospital, long-term disabilities, additional cost of treatment and often tragic loss of life,” he said adding the World Health Organisation (WHO) has been trying different strategies to raise awareness on the issue.

The nursing staff in the hospital took oath rededicating themselves to the cause of improving society’s health. Ms. Shobhamanjari Samal, Additional Nursing Superintendent, conducted the program.

The day began with ‘Rangoli’ competition on hand hygiene Prof. Ashok Mohapatra, SOA Deemed to be University’s Director (Health Programmes), Prof.  Gangadhar Sahu, Dean of IMS and SUM Hospital and senior professor Prof. NK Debata also spoke.