Poor hygienic conditions were found in both public and private hospitals in the city, according to a study of ICDDR,B. The study conducted recently across 12 public and private hospitals in Dhaka found that 68 percent of public hospital toilets were functional with only 33 percent clean while in private hospitals, 92% were functional with 56 percent were clean.
This is very disappointing as toilets, wards and cabins are not cleaned properly and timely; neither are done as regards hospital wastes. Bedcovers are also dirty and are hardly changed regularly. However, most of the hospitals’ outlook is very good, but the condition inside is very dirty and unhealthy.
Poor toilet access and hygiene pose significant health risks, potentially spreading diseases like cholera and typhoid. Proper sanitation and its accessibility are particularly crucial in hospitals, where disease-causing pathogens are likely to commonly circulate, experts say.
Poor toilet access and
hygiene pose significant
health risks, potentially
spreading diseases like
cholera and typhoid
According to their guidelines for the construction of institutional toilets in outpatient facilities, there should be one toilet for every 20-25 patients or carers, up to the first 100 individuals, with an additional toilet for every additional 50 patients or carers. The researchers defined toilet functionality according to criteria used by the WHO and UNICEF and assessed toilet cleanliness based on the presence of visible faeces on any surface, strong faecal odour, flies, sputum, insects, rodents, and solid waste.
We have noticed poor hygiene management in hospitals, the horrible conditions of toilets, dirty floors, bad smell in the air, overcrowding and noise always frustrate the patients and their relatives. Maintaining hygiene in hospitals and clinics is extremely important, and then comes the compassionate approach by hospital staff, including nurses and doctors. Hospital authorities must take it seriously how to keep a care facility neat and clean so that patients can heave a sigh of relief right after admission. Treatment begins with hospital hygiene.
