What Is the Kayakalp Scheme? Objectives, Awards and Significance

Introduction

Kayakalp is an initiative launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to promote cleanliness, hygiene, infection control, and improved sanitation in public healthcare facilities. It was launched on 15 May 2015 under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

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Objectives

  • Promote cleanliness and hygiene in public health facilities.

  • Improve infection prevention and control.

  • Encourage better biomedical waste management.

  • Improve the patient experience and quality of healthcare services.

  • Recognise and reward healthcare facilities that meet prescribed cleanliness standards.

Major features

1. Awards and incentives

Healthcare facilities are assessed against established cleanliness and hygiene criteria. Eligible facilities can receive awards or recognition based on their performance.

2. Infection control

The programme promotes appropriate hand hygiene, cleaning procedures, sterilisation, and infection-control practices.

3. Waste management

Facilities are encouraged to adopt appropriate segregation, handling, and disposal of biomedical waste.

4. Eco-friendly healthcare facilities

The programme has also incorporated recognition for environmentally responsible healthcare facilities.

UPSC Prelims Key Pointers

  • Nodal ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

  • Launch year: 2015.

  • Associated initiative: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

  • Primary focus: Cleanliness, hygiene, sanitation, and infection control in public healthcare facilities.

  • Kayakalp is a healthcare quality-improvement initiative, not a health insurance scheme.

  • It is distinct from Ayushman Bharat, which includes broader health coverage and healthcare delivery initiatives.