Associations' / Institutions' News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 19 : “Wash hands, spread the word and stop the germs!”

The Hospital Infection Control (HIC) Department, Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH), Kankanady, here observed Global Handwashing day on 15th October, 2020. Handwashing is key, in keeping ourselves and others protected from various infections including COVID-19. Their aim was to create social awareness on handwashing and to protect patients and self by promoting safe hands. In order to raise awareness on how to perform hand washing properly, the HIC department had launched an unique and innovative #SafeHandsChallenge based on the WHO theme for 2020 “Hand hygiene for All” via the Facebook page “HIC FMMCH” across Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI) on 28th September, 2020.

To begin with this initiative, Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director, FMCI declared the challenge open through this digital platform on 30th September, 2020 and challenged the staff and students of FMCI to take up the #SafeHandsChallenge and pass it on to the other departments/wards/batches.

First Prize

Second Prize

Third Prize

A total of 102 teams from FMCI participated and fulfilled the challenge in just 11 days. The videos were posted onthe HIC FMMCH Facebook page. Amidst this COVID-19 pandemic, this event was truly a welcome change, joyous experience and an opportunity to laugh out loud!!

A valedictory programme was conducted on 15thOctober, 2020 in the Council hall at 3pm. Ms. Nikita D’Souza, on behalf of the HIC team welcomed the gathering. The event was presided over by Rev. Fr. Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director, FMCI. He highlighted the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of infections during this pandemic. Rev. Fr. Rudolph Ravi D’Sa, Administrator, FMMCH appreciated the initiative taken by HIC department and emphasized on the need of hand hygiene to improve the quality of patient care.

The programme was also graced by Rev. Fr. Ajith Menezes, Administrator of FMMC, Rev. Fr. Nelson Pais, Assistant Administrator of FMMCH, Dr. Uday Kumar, Medical Superintendent of FMMCH, Dr. Jayaprakash Alva, Dean of FMMC, Rev. Sr. Janet Dsouza, Chief Nursing Officer of FMMCH, Dr Rekha B, HICC Chairperson of FMMCH.

The videos were evaluated in two stages by a panel of judges from various departments. The winners of the #SafeHandsChallenge were awarded cash prizes and e-certificates. The first prize was won by the Interns of Father Muller Homeopathic Medical College, Derlakatte. The second place was bagged by Department of Orthopedics, Father Muller Medical College Hospital, Kankanady. The third prize was bagged by the Bachelors of Homeopathic Medicine and Surgery 2018-2019 batch, Father Homeopathic Medical College, Derlakatte. The consolation prizes were awarded to the staff of Fatima ward, staff of Asha Kiran-III, Father Muller Simulation Centre and Father Muller Salvadore Rural Health Centre, Bajpe. The winning videos are published in HIC FMMCH facebook page and FMCI digital social media accounts.

Dr. Thomas S K, Hospital Infection Control Officer of FMMCH delivered the vote of thanks and extended his gratitude and appreciated the overwhelming support rendered in the success of this programme. M/s. Careon Healthcare Solutions Pvt. Ltd and M/s. Schulke India Pvt. Ltd., believed in their endeavor and sponsored the event.

During this pandemic, let us take a moment to wash our hands, make hand washing a habit and stay safe!