“Clean water, proper sanitation, and hygiene are not only essential for health but are foundational for human dignity and development,” observed the World Health Organization. In India, a country that has made remarkable strides in healthcare delivery, the importance of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) in healthcare facilities cannot be overstated. The interplay between WASH and healthcare outcomes is a critical public health issue, especially considering the high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality linked to infections associated with poor hygiene practices.
The statistics are sobering: inadequate WASH services in India’s healthcare facilities contribute to a neonatal mortality rate of 24 deaths per 1000 live births, with sepsis—often spread within health facilities—accounting for 15 percent of overall neonatal mortality and 11 percent of maternal deaths. These figures underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to improve sanitation and hygiene in medical settings.
Sanitation and toilet hygiene are at the core of the WASH paradigm. In India, only a fraction of labor rooms and post-natal care (19.2%) wards have functional toilets, which has a direct impact on the incidence of maternal and neonatal sepsis. The lack of clean toilets not only affects the quality of care but also deters women from seeking institutional deliveries, thereby increasing the risk of complications and fatalities.
Government Initiatives to Improve WASH in Healthcare
The Government of India has initiated several programs under the National Health Mission to address these challenges. The Janani Shishu Suraksha Yojana, for example, entitles all women to free delivery in public healthcare facilities to ensure safe childbirth. Despite these efforts, the quality of care is often compromised by the unhygienic conditions prevalent in many healthcare settings.
To combat this, there is a pressing need for healthcare facilities to adopt and rigorously implement infection prevention and control measures. This includes training healthcare staff on hand hygiene, quality of care, operation and maintenance of infrastructure, and biomedical waste management. The Global Antibiotic Resistance Partnership report highlighted that a significant proportion of hospital-acquired infections in India could be prevented by improving hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing.
Moreover, the Swachh Bharat Mission has been instrumental in improving sanitation across the country. This initiative has had a positive ripple effect on healthcare facilities, emphasizing the sustained use of toilets and hygiene practices. The mission’s success in transforming public sanitation is a testament to what can be achieved with concerted effort and community engagement.
The Swachh Bharat Mission’s impact on healthcare facilities is profound. By promoting the use of clean toilets and proper hygiene, the campaign has helped reduce the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections. Healthcare facilities that have embraced the principles of the Swachh Bharat Mission report fewer cases of sepsis and other infections, contributing to better maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Infection Prevention and Control Measures
Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures are crucial in healthcare settings. Effective IPC protocols include regular hand hygiene, sterilization of medical equipment, and proper waste disposal. Training healthcare staff in these practices is essential to minimize the risk of infections. The WHO recommends a multimodal strategy for improving hand hygiene practices in healthcare facilities, which includes system change, training and education, evaluation and feedback, reminders in the workplace, and an institutional safety climate.
Hand Hygiene
Hand hygiene is the single most important practice to reduce the transmission of infectious agents in healthcare settings. Despite its simplicity, it is often neglected. Healthcare workers must be diligent about washing their hands before and after patient contact, after handling waste, and before performing any medical procedures. Implementing hand hygiene protocols can significantly reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections.
Infrastructure and Maintenance
Healthcare facilities must also ensure that their infrastructure supports good hygiene practices. This includes having adequate handwashing stations, ensuring a reliable supply of clean water, and maintaining functional toilets. Regular maintenance of these facilities is crucial to prevent breakdowns that could compromise hygiene.
Biomedical Waste Management
Proper biomedical waste management is another critical aspect of IPC. Healthcare facilities generate a significant amount of waste that can be hazardous if not handled correctly. This includes used syringes, bandages, and other medical supplies. Facilities must have protocols in place for the safe disposal of biomedical waste to prevent the spread of infections.
Community and Corporate Initiatives
Community engagement and corporate partnerships also play a vital role in improving WASH in healthcare facilities. For instance, Harpic, India’s leading brand in the lavatory care segment, has been actively involved in promoting sanitation through its Mission Swachhta aur Paani initiative. This movement champions the cause of inclusive sanitation, equality for all genders, abilities, castes, and classes, and the strong belief that clean toilets are a shared responsibility.
Harpic has made significant strides in this area through the establishment of the Harpic World Toilet College (HWTC) in 2016. HWTC aims to improve the quality of life for sanitation workers by providing them with comprehensive training and linking them with dignified employment opportunities. The college’s programs address not only technical skills but also personal development, health, and safety, ensuring that workers are well-equipped to maintain high standards of sanitation.
Conclusion
Enhancing WASH in healthcare facilities is not just about infrastructure—it’s about saving lives. It’s about ensuring that every mother and newborn has a safe start to life. It’s about building a healthier future for India. The path forward involves a concerted effort from the government, healthcare providers, and the community to prioritize and invest in WASH, thereby transforming the landscape of public health in India.
Mission Swachhta aur Paani exemplifies how corporate responsibility and community engagement can drive meaningful change. By working together, we can create healthcare environments that uphold the dignity, health, and well-being of all individuals. The stakes are too high to ignore, and the benefits of improved WASH services in healthcare facilities are too significant to overlook. Let us commit to this cause and work towards a future where every healthcare facility in India meets the highest standards of water, sanitation, and hygiene.
Join us here, to help move the needle towards a more Swachh and Swasth Bharat