For the first time in recent years, Ludhiana Civil Hospital has clinched the number one position in Punjab under Kayakalp Scheme 2025-26, a national initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to promote cleanliness, hygiene, and infection control in public healthcare facilities.
In the 2024-2025 Kayakalp evaluation, the Civil Hospital in Ludhiana ranked 13th out of 13 district hospitals in Punjab that qualified, while in 2023-2024, the hospital did not even qualify for the evaluation.
The scheme, launched in 2015, assesses hospitals on upkeep, sanitation, waste management, infection control, and support services. This year, 877 healthcare facilities across Punjab qualified with scores above 70 per cent, meeting all prescribed criteria. The category-wise participation included 20 District Hospitals (DH), 30 Sub-District Hospitals (SDH), 79 Community Health Centres (CHCs), 14 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), 8 Urban PHCs, and 726 Ayushman Arogya Kendras (AAK-SCs).
Among the 23 districts, Ludhiana bagged first position, followed by Patiala and Amritsar. All other districts received "commendation" awards, while Moga, Ferozepur, and Sangrur failed to qualify.
Senior Medical Officer Dr Akhil Sareen credited the achievement to sustained reforms. "Our efforts have borne fruit. We created separate pathways for pedestrians, wheelchairs, and stretchers; revamped emergency services; ensured clean drinking water points; improved waste disposal; strengthened security and CCTV coverage; and introduced patient-friendly measures like help desks, token systems, and special lanes for senior citizens and disabled patients," he said.
"The list of improvements runs long, ranging from pest control, sewerage repairs, and rubble removal to new fogging machines, enhanced signage, waiting areas, and 1,000 new plantations inside and outside the hospital premises," he added.
DC Himanshu Jain hailed the recognition as a milestone: "The ratings are based on overall hygiene and cleanliness. The Civil Hospital has witnessed a positive sea change over the past year. The government's efforts have borne fruit, and Ludhiana's top ranking is a matter of pride."
The Kayakalp assessment follows a three-tier process, culminating in a final review by State Award Committee. Winning facilities receive certificates and cash awards, with 75 per cent earmarked for improving amenities through Rogi Kalyan Samitis and 25 per cent distributed as staff incentives.
The initiative, aligned with Swachh Bharat Mission, now also emphasises eco-friendly practices, waste reduction, reuse, and recycling.