How Rohtak PGI is improving cleanliness through inter-ward competition

Pt BD Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak, continues to face criticism from various quarters for its “insanitary” conditions, particularly in wards where stringent hygiene is crucial to prevent further infection among patients. Public complaints have also highlighted concerns over the quality of nursing care, day-to-day patient management, and improper record-keeping. Although senior PGIMS officials conduct surprise inspections at regular intervals and issue instructions to nurses and other staff, complete cleanliness and proper sanitation are still far from satisfactory.

In response, the PGIMS administration has now introduced a novel approach to bring the system up to the desired standards. As part of this effort, a new initiative has been launched at the institute. The initiative is the brainchild of PGIMS Medical Superintendent Dr Kundan Mittal, who also serves as the head of the department of paediatrics.

n What is this new initiative?

The initiative, titled “Cleanliness and practices competition,” introduces a contest among various wards of the PGIMS, involving nurses and other staff responsible for hygiene and upkeep. The programme was launched on Friday, marked by a visit from a team of PGIMS officials to two Wards. Medical Superintendent Dr Kundan Mittal said three wards had been included in the first phase, which was scheduled to be completed within two days.

n What is the objective of the initiative?

The initiative aims at promoting excellence in ward hygiene, nursing care practices, hospital record maintenance, and day-to-day operational standards across the PGIMS. The contest is expected not only to strengthen the overall upkeep system but also to motivate staff to improve their performance and strive for better results in future.

n Why did the PGIMS feel the need to launch the initiative?

Visitors are often met by foul odour from the toilets at the wards, and in some areas, bedsheets are not properly spread on patient beds. Pieces of used medical or dressing gauze can be seen lying around, and attendants are sometimes found eating or leaving food items inside the wards, further contributing to the mess. This forces the authorities to take some steps to improve the condition. However, they claim that sweeping and cleaning are carried out multiple times a day in all wards to ensure cleanliness.

n What key parameters will be evaluated under the initiative?

Dr Mittal explained that the cleanliness component would cover environmental hygiene, sanitation, waste management, and overall facility upkeep. Hospital record maintenance would be evaluated based on the completeness and accuracy of the 26 mandatory nursing-station registers.

Daily operational practices would be assessed through parameters such as admission and discharge procedures, medication protocols, infection-control measures, and staff coordination. Nursing care standards would be judged on patient assessment, care planning, clinical delivery and safety outcomes.

n Is there a provision to reward best performing wards?

Yes. Two awards titled “Best clean ward” and “Most improved ward” will be presented based on the competition results. The evaluation carries a total of 100 marks, with each parameter allotted 25.

A standardised rubric will be used to ensure fair and transparent scoring. This is a supportive assessment designed to highlight strengths and identify areas needing improvement, rather than a punitive exercise. Immediate feedback will be provided to help staff take corrective action, Dr Mittal concluded.