Question : INFECTIONS IN ICUS

(a) whether taking cognizance of increasing number of cases of infection in the Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in Government controlled hospitals including AIIMS, the Government has conducted/ proposes to conduct any study in this regard;

(b) if so, the details and the outcome thereof;

(c) the details of criteria/guidelines fixed by the Government regarding cleanliness in the Government hospitals in general and ICUs in particular;

(d) the monitoring mechanism put in place by the Government to ensure strict compliance of these guidelines; and

(e) the other corrective steps taken/being taken by the Government in this direction?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) to (e):- Health being a State subject, no such information is maintained centrally. However, as far as three Central Government Hospitals located in Delhi namely Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. RML Hospital, New Delhi and LHMC and associated Hospitals are concerned, no such study has been conducted/proposed to be conducted.

Proper sanitation is maintained in these hospitals by way of engaging regular and outsourced sanitary workers using manual and wherever possible mechanical means. Routine cleaning of wards is done at least 3 times a day. Cleaning of ICUs aredone more frequently. Regular surveillance of infections in ICU, nursery OTs etc. is done. Samples are picked up from critical areas in the hospital and subjected to culture and sensitivity tests in the microbiology department to monitor infection control. Proper air circulation/ventilation and conditioning is maintained as and when required. Good hand hygiene and asepsis practices are done. Data collected is analysed and presented in hospital infection control committee meetings. Time to time training is done for hospital employees regarding hospital infection control, biomedical waste management & post exposure prophylaxis for HIV infection.

In AIIMS, New Delhi, all coherent, strigent patient safety and infection control standards are maintained. There is a decentralized system for maintenance of Hospital sanitation and hygiene under the supervision of Sister-in-charge, Ward and Nursing Officers along with Sanitation officers and all the areas of Institute are inspected regularly by the Faculty, Hospital Administration In-charge and Medical Superintendent.