Jaipur: The Centre has written to Rajasthan and other state to prevent doctors from wearing rings, bangles, bracelets, religious threads, and wristwatches as they could spread infection in wards, ICUs and operation theatres.
It has also asked hospitals to restrict the use of mobile phones in patient areas and critical zones such as ICUs and post-operative wards.
For creating a safer and more conducive healing environment, doctors and healthcare workers in Centre-run hospitals across the state will now be required to take off their rings, bangles, bracelets, religious threads, and wristwatches while on duty.
The state has a network of govt health scheme (CGHS) dispensaries, railway hospital, ESI hospitals. The directive aims to reduce the spread of infection and uphold high hygiene levels for better patient care. A health department spokesperson confirmed this rule and highlighted the necessity for a strict policy, limiting mobile phone use in sensitive areas of the hospital. These areas include ICUs, high dependency units (HDUs), post-operative wards, and operation theatres.
The focus will be on preventing any potential contamination and distraction that could compromise patient safety and recovery. Compliance with these guidelines is essential for maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring the wellbeing of patients, the order said.
“There is substantial evidence that wearing hand jewelry below the elbow increases total skin microorganism counts. Similarly, the use of mobile phones, while on duty, especially in critical areas like ICUs, HDUs, post-operative wards, and OTs, poses infection risks,” Dr Atul Goel, director general of health services, ministry of health, wrote to the director and medical superintendent of Centre-run hospitals.
The policy will be effective immediately. Hospitals can revise their standard operating procedures (SOPs) on hand hygiene and specifically mention where wristwatches are permitted, the order said.