Media Release
Manipal, Oct 24: International Infection Prevention Week (IIPW) was initiated with an intention to give importance to health and preventing the transmission of infection and we move forward towards it.
Keeping this in mind, Hospital Infection Control Committee (HICC) in association with Nursing services organised IIPW from October 18 - 23, 2021 to spread awareness about Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) among the healthcare workers.
The valedictory function was held at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal at 9 AM. More than 100 participants from various departments including the doctors, nurses and other health care providers were present at the venue.
Chief Guest of the event was Lt General Dr M D Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of Manipal Academy of Higher Education. Dr Avinash Shetty, Medical Superintendent of Kasturba Hospital welcomed and addressed the gathering. Dr Muralidhar Varma, Chairperson of HICC provided an overview of IIPW and journey of HICC at Kasturba Hospital, Manipal.
Dr Anil K Bhat, Associate Dean of Kasturba Medical College appreciated the efforts and initiatives taken by HICC and Department of Nursing services. Lt. General Dr MD Venkatesh inaugurated IPC PRIMER, a PG certification course and appreciated the multi-faceted approach by HICC involving Physicians, nurses, housekeeping staffs and technicians as a part of the program.
The fact that “Infection control is not a one man show, instead it is a collaborative team effort” was highlighted by all the speakers.
The HICC joined hands with Manipal Institute of Communication (MIC) by collaborating with Dr Padma Rani, Director and Professor of MIC to create an educational video to spread awareness in Infection prevention and control. As a part of IIPW, various events were organised notably Role play for patients and their relatives, Quiz competitions for the housekeeping staffs, case presentation for nurses and technician awareness on Infection Control.
This was followed by a webinar where speakers from various countries including USA, Malaysia and India participated and shared their views on infection control. Awards and certificates were provided to the winners and participants of various events. Dr. P Suba Sooria, Head of Nursing services, KMC Manipal delivered the vote of thanks.
We were one of the first university hospitals in India to introduce HICC way back in 2002. Kasturba Medical College and Hospital takes immense pride in successfully organising these events on the occasion of IIPW. Kasturba Hospital, Manipal has been tirelessly working towards reducing the infection and better patient care. This event is a milestone in our Infection prevention and control practices and boosts us to take further steps for a better tomorrow.