Health secy meets med college heads

Kolkata: On Thursday, the principal health secretary told heads of medical colleges in Kolkata to improve cleanliness and overall patient care services. The meeting follows minister of municipal affairs, women and child welfare Agnimitra Paul's recent visit to Calcutta National Medical College (CNMC), when she expressed dissatisfaction with the dirty wards and unhygienic conditions.Sources said Narayan Swaroop Nigam directed the hospital heads to ensure that wards and common areas in the hospitals are cleaned at least thrice daily and there is stricter hygiene monitoring. The authorities were told to rotate housekeeping personnel in different wards and provide proper training, and organise frequent surprise visits to monitor cleanliness and patient care services.Attended by principals of IPGMER, NRS, Medical College, RG Kar, and CNMC, and teaching medical institutes, including BC Roy Hospital for Children and ID Hospital, this was the first meet of the health secretary and medical college heads after the formation of the new govt.Sources said the health secretary cautioned the authorities of CNMC over the cleanliness issue in the hospital and sought an explanation.