New Delhi, July 9 (IANS): Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Thursday sought participation of prominent non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to help encourage standards of excellence in public health facilities.

Nadda invited the NGOs to join 'Kayakalp', an initiative of the health ministry, to encourage public health facilities and help the country stay clean and hygienic, said an official release.

The scheme also includes development of systems and procedures for activities such as bio-waste management, quality and assurance of services.

Addressing representatives of various NGOs here, he said public health facilities will be awarded under various parameters of sanitation, hygiene and cleanliness.

The minister invited the NGOs to adopt any ward or any part of the activities within the three hospitals under the central government -- Lady Hardinge Medical College, R.M.L. hospital and Safdarjung hospital -- in New Delhi to begin with.

He also requested them to forward concept, notes and suggestions for the ministry on how to improve health services in the country.