Handwashing Day: Clean hands to cut risk of common infections: Doctors

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, October 16

An event to sensitise general public regarding the hand hygiene was organised at Community Health Centre, Manawala, on Saturday. The event was organised as part of the awareness drive initiated as part of the Global Handwashing Day, which was observed on October 15.

People should be aware about the importance of proper handwashing technique as it saves them from various infections. One should wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. It helps in killing germs. Dr Sumit Singh, Senior Medical Officer

People should not touch their nose, eyes and mouth, including face mask, after touching any object which may be contaminated. Dr Charanjit Singh, Civil Surgeon

Senior Medical Officer Dr Sumit Singh said people should be aware about the importance of handwashing and proper hand washing technique as it saves them from various infections. “One should wash rinse hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before washing it off the hands. It helps in kills the germs,” he said adding that kids should be taught the technique by teachers and parents as it they would inculcate this good habit, it would help them stay healthy throughout life. He added that most of the respiratory and diarrheal infections are communicated from one person to another through hands.

Civil Surgeon Dr Charanjit Singh said, “People should not touch their nose, eyes and mouth, including face mask, after touching any object which could have been contaminated or after shaking hands with persons.” He added that Global Handwashing Day is an apt time to learn this hygiene tool and educate others about the same.

Block Extension Education Sourav Sharma said, “We are using innovative and interactive tools to create awareness among the public especially small children.” He said that hand washing technique may seem trivial but most people who do wash their hands do not do it properly as a result of which chances of getting infected are more. Senior Pharmacy officer Manjit Singh, lab technician Kashmir Singh Kang and other health staff took part in the drive.