Restrict Mobile Phone Use On Duty, No Jewellery Below Elbow: DGHS Advisory For Healthcare Workers

New Delhi: Central government hospitals are implementing measures to ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare workers. As part of these efforts, healthcare personnel are advised not to wear jewelry below the elbow and to limit the use of mobile phones while on duty, particularly in critical areas.

 Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Sciences, has issued a directive urging central government hospitals to prioritize hygiene measures to reduce the risk of infection transmission and maintain optimal standards of patient care. 

Under this directive, all directors and medical superintendents of central government hospitals are instructed to implement specific safety protocols to reinforce infection control practices within their facilities. To minimize the potential spread of infection and reduce infection risks, wearing jewelry below the elbow and using mobile phones while on duty have been prohibited. 

 Dr. Atul Goel emphasized, "Substantial evidence suggests that wearing hand jewelry below the elbow increases total skin microorganism counts. Likewise, the use of mobile phones while on duty, particularly in critical areas such as ICUs, HDUs, post-operative wards, and OTs, poses infection risks."." Effective immediately, healthcare workers in Central Government . hospitals are required to remove all types of jewelry below the elbow during duty hours, including rings, bangles, bracelets, religious threads, and wristwatches. 

This precaution is essential to minimize the risk of infection transmission and ensure optimal hygiene standards and patient care at all times. 

Respective hospitals are instructed to revise their Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on hand hygiene and specify where wristwatches are permitted. Furthermore, hospitals are directed to create and enforce a policy that limits the usage of cell phones in patient zones and high-risk areas such as ICUs, HDUs, post-operative wards, and operation rooms. "We understand that implementing these measures may necessitate some adjustments, but we trust that you will prioritize the safety and well-being of our patients above all else.

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