Ahmedabad's Sola Civil Hospital has cleared 79 kg of solid waste, initiated the scrapping of 159 unusable medical equipment items, and serviced 508 fire extinguishers as part of Gujarat's state-wide Namo Swachhta Abhiyan cleanliness campaign. The drive, reported on 5 July, is aimed at reducing hospital-acquired (nosocomial) infections and raising patient safety standards across the facility.

Scale of the Cleanup

Beyond the 79 kg of solid waste removed from various departments, the hospital has begun formal scrapping procedures for 1,365 condemned articles in addition to the 159 unusable equipment items. The exercise has covered indoor and outdoor areas, the hospital compound, and toilets.

Of the hospital's 575 furniture, medical, and IT equipment items, 103 have been repaired and restored to active use. Among 319 water taps inspected, 56 were repaired or replaced, while 63 bulbs and 22 ceiling fans were fixed to improve conditions for patients and their attendants.

Infection Control at the Core

Resident Medical Officer Dr Hemangini Patel said the hospital was carrying out cleaning, disinfection, and removal of unnecessary materials 'on a war footing' to reduce the risk of hospital-acquired infections. 'Continuous monitoring is being maintained throughout the hospital to create a safe and clean environment for patients,' she said.

All medical and paramedical staff have received specialised training on the scientific disposal of biomedical waste using the prescribed colour-coded segregation system. Sanitation worker Ramila Makwana, who has served at the hospital since the COVID-19 pandemic, noted that sensitive equipment — including patients' beds, lockers, ventilators, and monitors — is thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every day, with bedsheets changed twice daily when required.

Infrastructure Maintenance

The phased replacement of around 300 old bedsheets, pillow covers, and mattresses has been initiated, according to Dr Patel. Civil repair works — covering toilets, bathrooms, and broken tiles — are also under way, alongside regular cleaning of floors, walls, windows, glass panels, and ceiling fans.

The completion of 508 fire extinguisher refills or fresh installations signals that the drive extends well beyond cosmetic cleanliness into structural safety compliance.

Patient and Visitor Response

Prakashkumar Meniya from Sanand praised the prompt and cooperative service of doctors, sanitation workers, and other staff, and appealed to visitors to help maintain cleanliness on the premises. Ami Patel from Bodakdev said her perception of government hospitals had changed entirely after visiting Sola Civil Hospital. 'The misconception that government hospitals are unhygienic has been completely dispelled... Continuous cleaning, clean drinking water and an organised environment make the hospital feel no less than a corporate hospital,' she said.

What Comes Next

The hospital administration has framed the campaign as an ongoing, year-round commitment rather than a one-off event. 'Cleanliness is not a one-day campaign but a continuous year-round process, and the administration is fully committed to reducing the incidence of hospital-acquired infections,' Dr Patel said. With the Namo Swachhta Abhiyan being rolled out across Gujarat, Sola Civil Hospital's progress is likely to serve as a benchmark for other state-run facilities.