Mangaluru: Father Muller Medical College Hospital (FMMCH) observed World Hand Hygiene Day 2026 on May 5 with a series of educational and creative activities aimed at promoting awareness on infection prevention and patient safety.
The programme was organised by the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC) in association with the Department of Microbiology, Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), in observance of the World Health Organisation’s global hand hygiene campaign.
Valedictory programme held at FMMCH
A valedictory programme was conducted at the FMMCH Conference Hall with Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director of Father Muller Charitable Institutions (FMCI), presiding over the function. Dr. Sudeep K., Head of the Department of Endocrinology, attended as the chief guest.
Other dignitaries present included Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator; Dr. Uday Kumar, Medical Superintendent; Rev. Sr. Nancy Priya Mathais, Chief Nursing Officer; and Dr. Thomas S. K., Professor, Department of Microbiology and IPCC Chairperson.
Awareness activities and competitions
The celebration featured a variety of competitions inspired by the WHO theme “Action Saves Lives”, encouraging participants to creatively express the importance of hand hygiene.
Competitions included:
- Reels competition
- Drawing competition
- Face painting competition
- Hand hygiene quiz competition
The activities witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, nurses, healthcare workers, and staff across various institutions under FMCI.
Reel competition winners
The winners of the reels competition were:
- 1st Prize: Reshma Nazreth and team, Onco OT
- 2nd Prize: Pramila Monthy Pinto and team, Z1 Ward
- 3rd Prize: Jeevan Raj and team, Dialysis Unit
Consolation prizes were awarded to Alan Kochumon and team from Divine Mercy, and Jinson Monteiro and team from Fathima Ground Floor.
Drawing and face painting results
In the drawing competition:
- 1st Prize: Ms. Manisha S. Nagekar – Staff Nurse, Level 4 ICU
- 2nd Prize: Ms. Treesa Joseph – Staff Nurse, Z1 Ward
- 3rd Prize: Shared by Mr. Preetham Dsouza and Ms. Saliba Shibumon
In the face painting competition:
- 1st Prize: Ms. Suprita Naik and Ms. Ann Jose – ITU
- 2nd Prize: Ms. Anisha Rodrigues and Ms. Clerita Cutinha
- 3rd Prize: Ms. Manisha S. Nagekar and Ms. Jincy
Recognition for infection control efforts
Quiz competitions for ward in-charges and competency-based assessments for link nurses were also conducted to strengthen awareness of infection prevention and control protocols.
Hand Hygiene Champions were recognised among doctors, nurses, and staff based on compliance and leadership in promoting hand hygiene practices. Annual rolling trophies for wards and high-risk areas were also introduced to encourage healthy competition and sustained awareness.
Promoting patient safety and awareness
Addressing the gathering, the dignitaries encouraged all healthcare workers to make hand hygiene a daily habit and strictly follow protocols to save lives both within healthcare facilities and in the wider community.
The organisers stated that the initiative successfully reinforced the importance of hand hygiene in maintaining a safer and healthier environment.
Conclusion
The World Hand Hygiene Day celebration at Father Muller highlighted the institution’s commitment to patient safety, infection prevention, and continuous education through innovative awareness initiatives.
