Swachhta Pakhwada: Health Ministry adjudged best department

New Delhi, Oct 3: The Health Ministry has been adjudged the best department during 'Swachhta Pakhwada', a fortnight-long inter-ministry initiative of Swachh Bharat Mission of the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, said an official on Tuesday.

'Swachhta Pakhwada' activities were organised within the ministry offices, in central government hospitals and in public health facilities across 29 states and seven union territories from February 1 to 15 earlier this year.

"More pertinently, in addition to the envisaged activities, some of the key contributions include mass awareness generation initiatives through rallies, street plays, painting competitions, leveraging the participation and support of public representatives, NGOs, school children and the community. These activities are considered critical for sustaining the 'swachhta' movement," said a statement from the ministry.

Health Secretary C.K. Mishra received the award on behalf of the ministry.

During the Swacchta fortnight, all hospital/clinics were also directed to install waste bins for segregating waste and massive cleaning drives were undertaken in all the hospital wards and hospital premises.

Doctors, nurses and medical staff along with patients and visitors carried out sensitisation drives on the importance of safe sanitation and hygiene.