'Safety must for health workers'

PUNE: The Indian Academy of Medical Microbiologists (IAMM) and the Haffkine Institute, in association with the Becton, Dickinson and Company (BD)-India, launched an awareness campaign on health and safety of healthcare workers in the state on occasion of the International Nurses' Day on Friday.

Titled 'Jyot Se Jyot', the initiative will look to sensitise and increase awareness among healthcare professionals and hospital managements on the issues of the safety of healthcare workers. In the next 51 days, the initiative will see seminars, workshops and talks in various cities. It will continue till July 1, which is the International Doctors' Day.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there are 1.3 million deaths of healthcare workers worldwide due to rampant use of the unsterilised, reused needles. The UN agency linked 33% of new hepatitis B injections and 2 million new cases of hepatitis C each year due to unsafe injections and needle stick injuries. Nearly 5% of new HIV cases come from needle stick injuries.

Bhaskar Sonowal, technical adviser, infection control and patient safety of BD-India, said, "Though there is no official data documenting the number of deaths in India due to needle stick injuries, the number is believed to be high. We are aiming to sensitise this issue in various hospitals in the state for them to set up a standard protocol in hospitals in order to mitigate unnecessary deaths among healthcare workers."

Abhay Chowdhary, head of department of microbiology, Sir J J hospital, Mumbai, said, "There is a negligent attitude among hospitals in the country.

We seem to overlook the serious issue of looking after our healthcare workers, who play a critical role in society and our system. Through this campaign, we are looking to bring safety issue of the workers under the spotlight."

Nita Munshi, head of department of pathology, Ruby Hall Clinic, said, "Healthcare workers are exposed to all sorts of risks in the hospital. Therefore, it is a requirement to install a mechanized system in hospitals to protect them."

Apart from Pune, 'Jyot Se Jyot', started in 2009, will reach out to hospitals in Nasik, Aurangabad, Thane as well, finally culminating in Mumbai on July 1.