Centre warns Raj on infection prevention amid antibiotic risk

Jaipur: The medical education dept will strengthen infection prevention measures after the Centre raised concerns over lapses in hospitals amid growing antibiotic resistance.In directions issued to the state govt, the Centre called for steps to ensure a safe, harm-free environment for vulnerable patients. It asked authorities to tighten infection prevention practices in high-risk areas, including labour rooms, operation theatres, special newborn care units, high dependency units, dialysis units and intensive care units.The Centre also directed strict compliance with infection prevention protocols such as hand hygiene, rational use of personal protective equipment, aseptic practices, regular cleaning, proper sterilisation of instruments and effective biomedical waste management.The move comes after a 2025 study by SMS Medical College raised concern over rising antibiotic resistance in Acinetobacter and other bacterial infections. The study assessed 15 antibiotics used to treat Acinetobacter infections and found that 13 showed resistance rates above 40%. Resistance to one antibiotic was reported as high as 78%.A senior health department official said the Centre had ordered strict compliance with standard precautions by staff, visitors and attendants. "Ensure all visitors practice hand hygiene and wear appropriate personal protective equipment before entering critical care areas, including removal of footwear and use of shoe covers and masks," the official said.The Centre has also asked hospitals to strengthen hospital infection control committees and infection control teams through regular monitoring, documentation, feedback and administrative support. It has called for stronger environmental cleaning, disinfection, biomedical waste segregation and disposal, along with regular training, audits and supportive supervision, especially in critical care units.Hospitals have also been directed to educate attendants through videos and pictorial handouts in waiting areas and at entrances to high-risk units, preferably in the local language, covering hand hygiene, PPE use, shoe covers and mask compliance.