Critical analysis of Kayakalp Scheme
Description
Introduction
The
Prime Minister of India introduced the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan on 2nd of October,
2014 to promote cleanliness in public space. Cleanliness and hygiene are good
for healthy living, but it becomes a need when we talk about health care
facilities. Cleanliness not only prevents the spread of infection but also
provides the patients and the visitors a positive experience.
Ministry
of Health And Family Welfare, Government of India has launched a
national initiative KAYAKALP in 2015 to promote cleanliness and enhance the
quality of public health facilities.
About Kayakalp Scheme
Under this
scheme, Health facilities are assessed and scored on a number of parameters,
and every year the highest-scoring facilities at each level receive recognition
though Kayakalp Awards that carry cash, apart from the citation. The first
prize under the category is of Rs 5 crore, the second of Rs 3 crore and third
Rs 1 crore.
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It covers Sub
District Hospitals, Community Health Centres, and Primary Health Centres
(Rural and Urban), District Hospitals, Private Hospitals, Ayushman Bharat
Health and Wellness Centres under its ambit. |
The three key
components of the programme are to support community health centres (CHCs) in
open defecation free (ODF) blocks to achieve Kayakalp certification; to
prioritize gram panchayat of Kayakalp primary health centres (PHCs) to become
ODF; and training in WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) of CHC/PHC nominees in
blocks where open defecation has been eliminated through the efforts of the
MDWS and the local community.
The scheme
has resulted in significant improvement in the level of the cleanliness,
hygiene, and infection control practices at public healthcare facilities and
has inculcated a culture of ongoing assessment and peer review to promote
hygiene, cleanliness, and sanitation.
It has also made a significant contribution
towards moulding the behavioural practices of the public.
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The
parameters on which the performance of the facility would be judged are as
follows:
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Methodology adopted
Senior ministry officials
regularly inspect central hospitals in the country, to take stock of the
existing status and to intensify the Swachhta drive.
The health minister himself
reviews the practices followed for maintaining cleanliness, sanitation and
hygiene within and outside the premises of hospitals such as All India
Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and visits wards, including emergency
and private, operation theatres and intensive care units.
As part of the initiative,
standards and protocols have been put in place for the upkeep of services
within and outside the buildings; support services such as laundry and food are
provided at various locations; waste management as per standards is undertaken;
and infection control measures are carried out.
Committees and sub-committees are
formed to periodically review and monitor the progress made in these areas.
Conclusion
The initiative has been able to create a ripple of improvement in
public health sector. A Kayakalp certification or an ODF certification has led
to people practicing hygiene practices in their daily lives. Not only have
hygiene habits lead to overall positive health outcomes (reduction in
hospital-acquired infection, reduction on antibiotic use etc.) the clean
facilities have given a takeaway message to people to also keep their home and
surroundings clean and that is an impact beyond the four walls and boundaries
of a public health facility, indeed. The synergy and momentum achieved under
Swachh Bharat Mission shall continue to expand and deliver a ‘Clean India, a
Healthy India’.
