Udupi: The Infection Control Committee along with the department of quality assurance, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal organized a day-long seminar ‘Infection Prevention’ on the occasion of the International Infection Prevention week-2018 with the theme ‘Protecting Patients Everywhere’.

The seminar was inaugurated by Dr Poornima Baliga B, pro vice chancellor - Faculty of Health Sciences, MAHE, Manipal. Dr Pragna Rao, dean, KMC Manipal, C G Muthana, COO Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Dr Avinash Shetty Medical Superintendent Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Dr Chiranjay Mukhopadhayay, associate dean, KMC Manipal, and the organisers Dr K E Vandana, Infection control committee chairman, Dr Muralidhar Varma, infection control officer and Vijish VK, QMR were present. The programme was inaugurated uniquely when all the guests and participants collectively observed hand hygiene.

Dr Poornima Baliga said, "There have been increased efforts to address unintended consequences that occur as a result of patients seeking medical care. Infections acquired due to healthcare procedures are gaining importance due to the mortality and morbidity associated. Hospital acquired infections (HAI) are far more common in India than in western countries, added Dr Poornima Baliga.”

Dr Pragna Rao, dean, KMC Manipal lauded the efforts of Infection Control committee for the efforts in creating awareness among the medical, paramedical staff and even among the members of the society.

Various informative programmes and competitions were organized like skit, poster exhibition and the winners were awarded prizes and certificates.