Rajasthan launches new SOP to enhance hospital maintenance, patient safety

Jaipur: In a big step towards improving hospital infrastructure, the Rajasthan government has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for government medical colleges and hospitals. The SOP, developed jointly by the Medical Education and Public Works Departments, aims to improve patient safety and ensure timely hospital maintenance.

It was issued based on the directives of Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma and Medical Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Khimsar. Under this new SOP, each hospital will now have a full-time Public Works Department (PWD) unit. This team will include plumbers and electricians available around the clock. Carpenters and welders will work during the day. A 24-hour helpline will also be launched for complaints related to maintenance or patient safety.

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Medical Education Secretary Ambrish Kumar told TOI that 2% of the building's construction cost will be given every year to the PWD for upkeep. This money will come through the Rajasthan Medical Relief Society (RMRS). For the year 2025–26, the building cost will be calculated at Rs 28,000 per square metre.

Out of the total funds, 70% will go toward civil work like plumbing or repairs, while 30% will be used for electrical work. However, these figures can change if approved by the hospital superintendent and the RMRS chairman.

The PWD will also take care of maintenance contracts for important equipment such as air conditioners, generators, oxygen pipelines, lifts, fire alarms, and CCTV cameras. Hospitals will pay for these services from their budgets or through RMRS.

Patients or staff can register complaints using the helpline, website, or mobile app. Contractors, under PWD's watch, will handle the issues. Payment will be made only after a hospital medical officer checks and confirms the work.

Every year, the PWD will conduct a structural survey of hospital buildings and issue a fitness certificate. Maintenance will be prioritised based on safety, with urgent attention given to issues like leakages, electrical problems, tree root damage, and broken fixtures.

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