Punya Salila Srivastava reviews cleanliness measures at AIIMS Mangalagiri

Mangalagiri: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is observing Swachhata Pakhwada 2026 from 1st April to 15th April 2026 across all its hospitals and institutes, in accordance with the calendar issued by the Cabinet Secretariat. 

As part of the initiative, the Union Health Secretary, Smt. Punya Salila Srivastava visited the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Mangalagiri, to review the ongoing activities under Swachhata Pakhwada and to dedicate the newly constructed Undergraduate Girls’ Hostel to the institute.

During the visit, the Union Health Secretary undertook a comprehensive review of the cleanliness and sanitation initiatives being implemented as part of the campaign. The review covered key areas including hospital premises, patient care facilities, waste management systems, and public utility spaces. The Secretary commended the efforts of the institute in promoting cleanliness, waste segregation, and awareness among staff, students, and patients, the PIB stated.

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It was observed that AIIMS Mangalagiri has undertaken several activities during the Pakhwada, including cleanliness drives, awareness campaigns, and initiatives aimed at strengthening biomedical waste management and infection control practices.

An interaction session was subsequently held at the institute auditorium, where the Secretary engaged with Heads of Departments, faculty members, staff, and students. Addressing the gathering, the Union Health Secretary stated that “Swachhata Pakhwada is being implemented in alignment with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Swachh Bharat, emphasizing cleanliness as a fundamental pillar of national development. Under the guidance of the Hon’ble Union Health Minister, the initiative focuses on strengthening the preventive and promotive aspects of healthcare.”

She emphasized that cleanliness and sanitation are critical enablers of preventive healthcare and contribute significantly to reducing disease burden and improving public health outcomes. The Secretary also appreciated AIIMS Mangalagiri for its proactive role in delivering inclusive, accessible, and quality healthcare services, particularly in the domain of super-speciality care.

The Secretary also reviewed an exhibition of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials prepared on Swachhata Pakhwada and appreciated the efforts made towards promoting awareness and behavioural change.

As part of the visit, the Secretary reviewed the ‘Waste to Art’ campaign gallery, where innovative models created by students using recycled materials were displayed. She appreciated the creativity reflected in various exhibits as well as canvas paintings, slogan cards, and pot paintings developed on the theme of Swachhata Pakhwada. The Secretary also signed the Swachhata pledge banner as part of the ongoing signature campaign.

On the occasion, awards were presented to students for outstanding performance in Swachhata-themed competitions. The Secretary also felicitated sanitary workers, security personnel, and staff members for their contribution to maintaining a clean, safe, and patient-friendly hospital environment during the campaign.

As part of the institutional review, the Secretary visited key hospital facilities, including the ABHA registration area, Outpatient Department (OPD), radiology services such as mammography, X-ray and ultrasound units, and the Radiation Oncology unit equipped with advanced cancer care facilities, including Linear Accelerator (LINAC) and brachytherapy. Inpatient wards and Trauma & Emergency/Casualty services were also reviewed.

During the visit, the Union Health Secretary dedicated the Undergraduate Girls’ Hostel Block, a G+9-storied residential facility aimed at enhancing accommodation capacity and providing a safe and conducive living environment for female undergraduate students.

The visit also included interactions with faculty members, students, and administrative staff, wherein various aspects related to institutional development, academic excellence, and patient care services were discussed. The Secretary appreciated the dedication of healthcare professionals and reiterated the need for continued focus on quality service delivery. The visit commenced with a plantation drive in the campus, reflecting the Ministry’s commitment to environmental sustainability alongside cleanliness.

Senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, along with the Executive Director, faculty members, and staff of AIIMS Mangalagiri, were present during the visit.

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