Chandigarh: PGI concluded its multi-day Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign on Friday. Gandhi Jayanti was observed nationwide as Swachh Bharat Diwas by honouring its sanitation staff, healthcare workers, campus residents, and participating children.The fortnight-long drive, organised in alignment with Govt of India’s national initiative, culminated in Swachhata awards.Initiated on Sept 24 with a workshop on solid waste management, the campaign brought together doctors, nursing and paramedical staff, sanitation workers, supervisors, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and school children. The programme featured community-driven outreach, including a Janbhagidari event with local RWAs, a horticulture plantation drive, zero-waste sporting events, street plays, and artistic competitions under the theme “Kabaad Se Jugaad / Kabaad Se Kala.” The initiative extended to hospitalised children at Advanced Pediatric Centre (APC) and incorporated school cleanliness drives under the “Swachhata Ki Paathshala” segment.A core focus of the closing activities centred on the health and welfare of the front-line cleaning staff. Dedicated SafaiMitra Suraksha health check-up camps were conducted over Sept 30 and Oct 1, alongside briefing sessions on statutory welfare benefits. Staff members participated in the “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” shramdaan cleanliness drives and plogging activities after taking the official Swachhata Pledge.During the concluding ceremony, winners of the various campaign competitions were awarded certificates.PGI director Prof. Vivek Lal commended the sanitation staff, referring to them as the “backbone of the effort” and noting that maintaining cleanliness functions as a primary line of defence in hospital infection control and patient dignity.
