On Thursday, the principal health secretary of Kolkata directed the heads of medical colleges in the city to enhance cleanliness and overall patient care services. The meeting was convened following a recent visit by Minister of Municipal Affairs, Women and Child Welfare Agnimitra Paul to Calcutta National Medical College (CNMC), during which she expressed strong dissatisfaction with the dirty wards and unhygienic conditions prevalent there.
According to sources, Narayan Swaroop Nigam, the principal health secretary, instructed the hospital heads to ensure that wards and common areas in the hospitals are cleaned at least three times daily. He also emphasized the need for stricter hygiene monitoring. The authorities were told to rotate housekeeping personnel across different wards and provide them with proper training. Additionally, frequent surprise visits are to be organized to monitor cleanliness and patient care services effectively.
The meeting was attended by the principals of several major medical institutions, including IPGMER, NRS, Medical College, RG Kar, and CNMC, as well as teaching medical institutes such as BC Roy Hospital for Children and ID Hospital. This was the first meeting between the health secretary and medical college heads since the formation of the new government.
Sources further revealed that the health secretary specifically cautioned the authorities of CNMC regarding the cleanliness issues in the hospital and sought an explanation for the lapses. The directive underscores the government's commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and patient experience in public hospitals.
