Kayakalp Scheme: Objectives and Assessment Process

The Kayakalp scheme aims to maintain cleanliness everywhere around the public health sector by rewarding their performances. Primarily an extension of “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan”, it focuses on enhancing the cleanliness, hygienic, waste management and infection control practices across every public healthcare facility in India.

A significant social safety net for addressing a portion of the population's healthcare needs is provided by public healthcare facilities. Keeping public health care facilities clean also encourages the development of clean environment-related behaviours. Read to know further details about the Kayakalp Scheme.

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What Is the Kayakalp Scheme?
Objectives of this Kayakalp Scheme
Eligibility Criteria for the Kayakalp Scheme
Guidelines of the Kayakalp Scheme
Assessment Process of Kayakalp Award Scheme
Different Awards Provided Under Kayakalp Scheme
Other Initiatives Under Kayakalp
Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kayakalp Scheme?

This programme was launched on 15th May 2015 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) to appreciate and recognise the positive effort shown by various hospitals and community health centres at district and state levels towards a greater hygienic and pure environment.

Generally, starting from District hospitals in 2015, it has spread its wings to PHC level (2016) and Urban Health Facilities (2017) and has led to a high rate of positive outcomes towards healthy habits.

What are the Objectives of this Kayakalp Scheme?

To promote better hygiene, infection control, waste management and sanitation practices.
Acknowledge and reward the noteworthy performances of public healthcare facilities.
Starting peer review and ongoing assessment culture to improve the facilities furthermore.
Creating and sharing feasible strategies for enhancing the quality of services offered by healthcare centres around the nation.

Who is Eligible for Kayakalp Scheme?

The following requirements determine Kayakalp scheme eligibility –

Organisation belonging to the cleanliness and infection control committee.
A body organises peer assessments or internal assessments periodically under the specified criteria.
Institutions scoring above 70% in the peer assessment process.

What Are the Guidelines of Kayakalp Scheme?

The parameters are divided into six thematic areas upon which the performance of a public healthcare facility is determined.

1. Improving Maintenance and Facility of Hospitals

Maintaining infrastructure
Appearance of the hospital or centre.
Control over pests and animals.
Improving greenery around the facility.
Preservation of open spaces.
Illumination and lighting conditions.
Junk material removal management
Conservation of water.
Management of the workplace.

2. Sanitation and Hygiene Management

Cleanliness of wards, toilets, labs, OPDs, auxiliary and procedure areas.
Use of standard materials, equipment and cleaning methods.
Monitoring cleanliness activities and managing drainage and sewage systems.

3. Dry and Wet Waste Management

Implementation of Bio-medical waste (BMW) rules (amended 2018)
Managing the entire process of segregation, collection and transportation of BMW.
Hazardous waste management.
Solid and liquid general waste management.
Keeping an eye on supplies and equipment for BMW.

4. Infection Control Management

Additional and standard precautions.
Spill management
Nursing of barriers and isolating patients
Surveillance and control programme for hospital language.
Environment control.

5. Healthcare Support Services

Managing laundry and linen
Sanitising water
Maintaining hygienic kitchen services.
Security services of the hospital
Managing the out-sourcing services.

6. Promoting Hygiene

Participation of patients and monitoring community.
Information, communication and education about good hygiene habits.
Leadership and teamwork of the healthcare personnel.
Staff dress code and healthy habits.

How is the Assessment Process Carried Out Under the Kayakalp Award Scheme?

The assessment process follows an assessment process. The steps below show the process for the Kayakalp Award Scheme:

Step 1 – Internal Assessment

Internal assessments should be carried out quarterly. Keep a record of the scores and submit it to the Chief Medical Officer. This evaluation is to be done by their healthcare staff using the standard assessment tools.

Step 2 – Peer Assessment

An institution with an internal assessment score above 70% is eligible for peer assessment, and it is done by the healthcare staff of a different block in between the districts.

A similar pattern is followed at the state level, where one team is allocated from a DH to assess at another DH.

The peer assessment should be done at least once a year as they form the basis of nomination for annual awards.

Step 3 – Nomination of the Facilities

The District Award Nomination committee gathers all the results from peer assessment and compares them to choose those who have scored above 70% in their evaluations.

What are the Different Awards Under This Scheme?

To appreciate the hard work and dedication of the healthcare centres, five awards are provided under this scheme –

Two best district hospitals.
Two best community health centres or sub-district hospitals
One primary health centre in every district.
Cash awards and citations are provided to the winners judged by the set criteria.
First rank holders at district-level hospitals will receive 50 lakhs worth of cash.
The runners-up at the same level will receive 20 lakhs.
Community health centres and sub-district hospitals will receive 15 lakhs and 10 lakhs, respectively, under the same criteria.
Winners from primary health centres are allocated two lakhs.

State	Number of Districts	Number of Winners	Reward
Category A	45931	Winner	Rs. 50 Lakhs
Category B	26 – 50	Winner	Rs. 50 Lakhs
		Runner-up	Rs. 20 Lakhs
Category C	Above 50	Winner	Rs. 50 Lakhs
		1st Runner-up	Rs. 20 Lakhs
		2nd Runner-up	Rs. 10 Lakhs

What are the Different Benefits of the Kayakalp Scheme?

The Kayakalp program is beneficial because it-

Hugely benefits the bio-management protocols of a facility.
Uplifts user experience.
Motivates teamwork within the institution.
Various stakeholders and NGOs can actively participate and share responsibilities.
Giving away rewards as part of appreciation boosts inter-sectoral coordination.
Rewards and incentives tend to initiate a culture of assessment and management.

The Kayakalp scheme has played a vital role in strengthening India’s Healthcare sector. The assessment process brings about greater engagement from health workers, resulting in better coordination and teamwork. Furthermore, giving away awards brings a sense of competition and pride among the hospitals and other community health centres.

Other Initiatives Under Kayakalp

The government has launched other initiatives under the Kayakalp scheme. The table below lists such initiatives:

Initiative	Launch Date	Description
Mera Aspataal	29th August 2016	The Mera Aspataal Initiative was started to get feedback from patients regarding the hospital's services and assist in making necessary improvements.
Swachh Swasth Sarvatra (SSS)	December 29, 2016	In partnership with the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, MoHFW initiated the SSS program, which provides a one-time grant of ₹10 lakhs under the National Health Mission to one community health centre (CHC) located within an Open Defecation Free block to carry out improvement activities, thereby transforming the CHC into Kayakalp CHC.

FAQs about the Kayakalp Scheme

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Why is the Kayakalp award given?

This award encourages public healthcare facilities to illustrate their dedication towards maintaining the quality of their services. Moreover, clean and hygienic protocols are implemented to reach the winning podium.

How is waste management related to the Kayakalp scheme?

Waste management refers to the collection, segregation and transformation of the waste materials released from a hospital. The different categories of awards given via the Kayakalp scheme depend on the efficiency of waste management by healthcare facilities.

What is Kayakalp Yojana?

Recognising and rewarding public health facilities that exhibit superior levels of hygiene, sanitation, and infection control is a nationwide endeavour.

What is Kayakalp's primary goal?

The program develops and disseminates sustainable techniques for better cleanliness in healthcare facilities that are associated with improved health outcomes. It also promotes hygiene, infection control, and cleanliness.

What are Kayakalp's incentives?

Every district has a single primary health centre. District-level hospital first-rank winners would get 50 lakhs in cash. At the same level, the runners-up will get 20 lakhs.

When did the Kayakalp program begin?

On May 15, 2015, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the Kayakalp project. The 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (SBA)' programme was introduced, and this initiative was introduced to supplement the work that people were doing under the SBA.

Which ministry introduced Kayakalp, the name for national integrity?

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is responsible for Kayakalp.

What is Kayakalp's purpose?

To encourage the use of infection control techniques, hygiene, and cleanliness. To provide rewards for public health institutions that do very well in terms of hygiene and infection control.

How are winners selected under the Kayakalp scheme?

Winners are selected based on comprehensive assessments conducted by teams appointed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. These assessments evaluate criteria such as hygiene, sanitation, waste management, infection control practices, and patient-friendly services.

What types of healthcare facilities are eligible for the Kayakalp award?

The Kayakalp scheme covers all public health facilities including district hospitals, community health centres, primary health centres, and government medical colleges.

What are the benefits of participating in the Kayakalp scheme?

Participating healthcare facilities not only contribute to improved healthcare standards but also receive recognition nationally and locally for their efforts. Additionally, cash awards are given to top-performing institutions which can be used for further improving facilities.

How does the Kayakalp scheme promote sustainability in healthcare practices?

The scheme encourages the adoption of sustainable practices such as energy conservation, water management, and eco-friendly waste disposal methods. Institutions are encouraged to implement these practices to ensure long-term benefits.

How does the Kayakalp scheme contribute to the overall goals of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan?

By focusing on cleanliness and hygiene in healthcare facilities, Kayakalp aligns with the broader national goals of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan to ensure a cleaner and healthier environment for all citizens.

Is there any training provided under the Kayakalp scheme?

Yes, healthcare staff at participating facilities receive training on infection control, waste management best practices, and maintaining hygiene standards. This training helps in sustaining the improvements made under the scheme.

How can the public contribute to the success of the Kayakalp scheme?

Public awareness and participation are crucial. Citizens can support the initiative by providing feedback on cleanliness and hygiene standards at healthcare facilities. This feedback helps facilities identify areas for improvement.