The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organised an awareness and orientation workshop on the Kayakalp Awards, here. Shri CK Mishra, Additional Secretary & Mission Director, National Health Mission addressed nodal officers from27 States and 3 UTs who participated in the workshop. At the workshop, the states were asked to work resolutely on improving cleanliness in the public health facilities which is the mandate of the Kayakalp awards. They were also informed that the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare would be supporting the states in their endeavors. In the current financial year, two hospitals in large states would get cash awards of Rs. 50.0 lakh for the best hospital and Rs. 20.0 lakh for the runner-up award. The Best District Hospital in small states would be awarded Rs 50.0 lakhs.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare has instated the Kayakalp Awards under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan launched by Prime Minister on 2nd October 2014 that focuses on promoting cleanliness in public spaces. The Minister of Health & Family Welfare launched a national initiative for awards to Swacch Public Health Facilities ‘KAYAKALP’ on 15th May 2015 under the National Health Mission (NHM). KAYAKALP promotes a clean environment in public health facilities, which are essential to the dignity, comfort and speedy recovery of the patients. The Health Ministry has also issued Swachh Hospital Guidelines which lay down the protocol and processes for maintaining cleanliness and hygiene at public health facilities. Guidelines containing protocols for objective assessment of health facilities, allowing for comparison of two or more health facilities within a district or state for the purpose of ‘KAYAKALP’ awards have also been issued by the Ministry. ‘KAYAKALP’ guidelines will also help public health facilities to attain National Quality Standards pertaining to cleanliness.