Impact on Kayakalp scores after undertaking of a primary health center by community medicine dept. of a medical college of J and K.

Introduction: To complement the Swachhata Abhiyaan effort, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, initiated "KAYAKALP." Kayakalp is an initiative to improve the cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation of public health facilities by recognizing and giving awards to those who exhibit a high level of cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control. Our study aimed to assess the level of cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control practices in the health care facility after undertaking by the department of Community Medicine of a medical college. Methodology: A retrospective comparative observational study was conducted at RHTC in the Kathua district of UT J and K. We compare the level of cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control practices using the Kayakalp scoring tool before and after taking over by the department of Community Medicine of a medical college. The scoring for various areas of concern is based on a checklist for quality assessment which includes facility upkeep, sanitation and hygiene, waste management, and infection control. Results: The total scores vary before and after undertaking of a Primary Health Center (PHC) by the Community Medicine Department of new medical college of J and K. Overall scores vary from the baseline score of 56% before to 84% now after 2 years of the undertaking. Conclusion: Resource management and capacity building under the guidance of public health professionals can result in a significant increase in hygiene, cleanliness, and infection control. So integrated approach involves public health specialists and other medical professionals like medical officers, field workers, sanitary inspectors. etc., can be helpful in recognizing the challenges and barriers.

A Study on Community needs, perceptions and demand regarding the use of the health services during COVID-19 pandemic in district Kathua, J and K.

Introduction: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on essential health services is a source of great concern. Health gains made during the last 2-3 decades have been halted due to shifting of resources to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. Aim and Objective: This study was conducted to identify community needs, demands, and perceptions regarding the effectiveness of using health services during the pandemic. Methodology: This was a qualitative study which was conducted through focus group discussions. The participants comprised of three groups: community leaders, healthcare providers, and field workers. Discussion among the participants was conducted using the standardized World Health Organization community assessment tool. Result: In our study, it was reported that most of the essential health services were disrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic. The barriers to accessing essential health services have been exacerbated and the provision of community-based services is effected due to this. In regard to COVID-19 vaccination also, there remain individuals who are reluctant to be vaccinated. Conclusion: Our study shows that the community faced barriers in accessing and using health services during the pandemic. To ensure the public's access to health services and strengthen healthcare preparedness strategies like health budget allocation, manpower, infrastructure, trainings, integration with primary healthcare, etc., need to be carried out during and after the pandemic. Thus, participation and inter-sectoral coordination across levels are required to overcome these barriers.

Assessment of indicators on drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices from rural schools of Kathua.

Introduction: Safe and adequate water supply and sanitation in schools are prerequisites for right to basic education for school children. The provision of water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities has been linked to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals. Objective: The objective of this study is to assess the indicators of WASH in schools falling under the Rural Health and Training Centre (RHTC), Budhi, GMC Kathua. Material and Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted during a period of two months in the month of September 2019 to October 2019. It was done in the rural area under CHC Nagri Parole Kathua. The total number of schools under CHC is 981. Interview of the head of the school was done using world health organization (WHO) and united nations international children's emergency fund (UNICEF) Standardized Questionnaire for WASH Practices. The Questionnaire includes core and expanded questions on drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene practices. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and descriptive statistics was analyzed in the form of number and percentages. Results: Out of total 139 schools, 57.72% schools had basic drinking water facilities. Only 29.11% schools have basic hand-washing facilities with soap and water; 81.29% of the schools have improved toilets. Conclusion: Political will and financing and effective delivery of interventions will be required to ensure universal access to WASH in schools.