Zero tolerance for infections in healthcare: Minister

Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh called for a ‘zero tolerance’ policy towards infections in the healthcare system, stressing that it is not only a professional responsibility but also a moral obligation. He was speaking at the closing ceremony of a national workshop on infection prevention, held at the Atal Auditorium of Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla.

The minister emphasised that hospital-acquired infections pose a serious threat to patient safety and can severely undermine the trust and credibility of healthcare institutions. He urged healthcare professionals to remain vigilant and committed to hygiene protocols at all levels.

Highlighting the state government’s efforts, Singh said initiatives are underway to strengthen health services, particularly in remote and underserved areas. These efforts include the integration of modern technology and the recruitment of medical personnel to fill long-standing vacancies in the health department.

In a gesture of support, the minister announced a donation of Rs 1 lakh to the Nursing Scholar Society and recognised the contributions of various nursing colleges across Himachal Pradesh.