Chandigarh/ PGIMER’s Swachta Walkathon ‘Lets team up to clean up’ organised as a part of ongoing Swachta Pakhwada
Chandigarh : Yesterday, the Swachta Walkathon themed as ‘Lets team up to clean up’ organized by the Department of Hospital Administration as part of the ongoing Swachta Pakhwada launched on 1st April at PGIMER concluded on a resounding note, emphasizing cleanliness as a shared social responsibility and pledging to extend efforts beyond institute’s boundaries.
Over 200 enthusiasts, carrying placards adorned with cleanliness messages, marched together from Kairon Block, PGIMER to New Park, Hawrah Line, symbolizing a collective commitment to hygiene.
The Walkathon was flagged off by Dr. Minal Bhatia, co-organiser Swachta Pakhwada, in the august presence of Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent, PGIMER, faculty from Deptt. of Hospital Administration, Mr. Ravi Dutt Sharma, Sanitation Officer and team, at 6:15 am amid resounding applause and slogans of ‘Lets team up to clean up.’
The dignitaries gracing the occasion included Mr. Kumar Gaurav Dhawan,IRS, Commissioner GST Jallandhar range, Prof. B.R. Mittal, Prof In-charge Engineering Services, Prof. Rakesh Kapoor, Prof. In-charge Procurement , Prof. Sandeep Bansal, Addl. Medical Superintendent, Col. G.S. Bhati, Superintending Hospital Engineer, Mr. Pankaj Talwar, Sr. Accounts Officer, Mr. Amit Dewan, President SUKH Foundation to mention a few.
The Walkathon also witnessed enthusiastic participation from resident doctors, nursing officers, housekeeping and sanitation staff, and PGI resident welfare society members, highlighting a unified commitment to fostering cleanliness and hygiene.
PGIMER Director Prof. Vivek Lal, in his message, conveyed his support for the initiative, stating, “While I regret not being able to join the Swachta Walkathon today, I extend my full support for this important initiative. Maintaining cleanliness is vital for our well-being, and I commend everyone participating in promoting a cleaner PGIMER.”
Prof. Vipin Koushal, Medical Superintendent PGIMER, complimented the overwhelming response, emphasizing, “It’s a collective social responsibility to maintain a high level of cleanliness, sanitation, and hygiene within and outside the premises of healthcare facilities.” Encouraging participants to be catalysts for change, Prof. Koushal asserted, “Cleanliness is the first step towards good health and disease prevention. Ignoring basic cleanliness and hygiene leads to significant costs in health and wealth.”
The Walkathon concluded with a commitment to escalate the cleanliness drive throughout the year, while the Swachta Pakhwada continues until April 15th featuring various engaging activities in the coming week . At the Swachhta Pakhwada culmination, commendations will be awarded to sanitation and housekeeping workers for their exemplary service, alongside felicitating winners of cleanliness-related competitions and acknowledging areas within the institute excelling in cleanliness efforts.
