Healthcare facilities with poor hygiene
We are dismayed by a recent report published in this daily which refers to a government study according to which, 98 percent of the healthcare centres in the districts lack water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. The study shockingly reveals the poor state in which most of the healthcare facilities are in—many of which, where WASH is non-existent—whereas cleanliness and hygiene are basic prerequisites of healthcare.
Hospitals with no basic amenities have been operating for long and we have also reported extensively on the sorry state of such institutions. Providing quality healthcare should be a top priority. Yet, it is astounding how general healthcare, which is a basic human right, is being compromised, even more so, in the rural corners of our country. It can be said that inefficiency and inertia of the responsible authorities are to blame for this.
It is to be noted that WASH is also a prime component of one of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals established by the United Nations General Assembly. So if we are to win in the race for development—for which staying healthy is essential—failure to meet the goals will further delay the process and will also put the wellbeing of citizens at risk. The report has given insightful recommendations including the proper allocation and management of more public finance in this regard. The Directorate General of Health Services must take cognisance of the matter and ensure that every health complex and hospital maintain the basic standard of cleanliness and sanitation. Establishing WASH facilities will significantly help in our fight against infectious diseases and must be made mandatory across all healthcare facilities.
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