Media Release
Mangaluru, Oct 19: 'Wash hands, spread the word and stop the germs!'
The Hospital Infection Control (HIC) department of Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH), Kankanady, here, observed global Handwashing Day on October 15. Handwashing is the key, to keeping ourselves and others protected from various infections including COVID-19. The aim was to create social awareness on handwashing and to protect patients and self by promoting safe hands. In order to raise awareness on how to perform hand washing properly, the HIC department launched a unique and innovative #SafeHandsChallenge based on the WHO theme for 2020 'Hand hygiene for All' via the Facebook page 'HIC FMMCH' across Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) on September 28.
To begin with this initiative, Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, Ddirector of FMCI declared the challenge open through this digital platform on September 30 and challenged the staff and students of FMCI to take up the #SafeHandsChallenge to pass it on to the other departments/wards/batches.
A total of 102 teams from FMCI participated and fulfilled the challenge in just 11 days. The videos were posted on the HIC FMMCH Facebook page. Amidst this COVID-19 pandemic, this event was truly a welcome change, joyous experience and an opportunity to laugh out loud!!
A valedictory programme was conducted on October 15 at the council hall at 3 pm. Nikita D’Souza, on behalf of the HIC team welcomed the gathering. The event was presided over by Fr Richard Aloysius Coelho, director of FMCI. He highlighted the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infections during this pandemic. Fr Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, administrator, FMMCH appreciated the initiative taken by the HIC department and emphasized on the need of hand hygiene to improve the quality of patient care.
The programme was also graced by Fr Ajith Menezes, administrator of FMMC, Fr Nelson Pais, assistant administrator of FMMCH, Dr Uday Kumar, medical superintendent of FMMCH, Dr Jayaprakash Alva, dean of FMMC, Janet D'Souza, chief nursing officer of FMMCH, Dr Rekha B, HICC chairperson of FMMCH.
The videos were evaluated in two stages by a panel of judges from various departments. The winners of the #SafeHandsChallenge were awarded cash prizes and e-certificates. The first prize was won by the interns of Father Muller Homeopathic Medical College, Derlakatte. The second place was bagged by the department of Orthopedics, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Kankanady. The third prize was bagged by the Bachelors of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery 2018-2019 batch, Father Muller Homeopathic Medical College, Derlakatte. The consolation prizes were awarded to the staff of Fatima ward, staff of Asha Kiran-III, Father Muller Simulation Centre and Father Muller Salvadore Rural Health Centre, Bajpe. The winning videos are published in HIC FMMCH facebook page and FMCI digital social media accounts.
Dr Thomas S K, Hospital Infection Control officer of FMMCH delivered the vote of thanks and extended his gratitude and appreciated the overwhelming support rendered in the success of this programme. M/s Careon Healthcare Solutions Pvt Ltd and M/s Schulke India Pvt Ltd, believed in their endeavor and sponsored the event.
During this pandemic, let us take a moment to wash our hands, make hand washing a habit and stay safe!
Link for the videos
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=664390947782588