Patna: A 15-day cleanliness drive at AIIMS Patna has concluded with a valedictory ceremony, as officials urged that the campaign’s message be sustained beyond its formal end.
The Swachhta Pakhwada, held from April 1 to 15, culminated in an event at the institute’s auditorium attended by Saurabh Jain, joint secretary at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, alongside senior faculty and administrators.
Addressing the gathering, Jain said cleanliness must become “an intrinsic habit” rather than remain confined to time-bound campaigns. He praised the institute for fostering awareness at both individual and institutional levels, adding that lasting change depends on a sense of personal responsibility.
The executive director, Raju Agarwal, highlighted the scale of participation across the campus, with doctors, students, administrative staff and sanitation workers all taking part. He said the initiative’s success would be measured by its continuity rather than its completion.
Awards were presented to staff and departments for maintaining clean wards, while students and participants were recognised for contributions to poster-making and reel-making competitions aimed at promoting hygiene awareness.
Over the course of the fortnight, activities included cleanliness drives, awareness campaigns, street plays and creative contests. Organisers said the programme sought to encourage collective responsibility and embed hygienic practices within everyday routines.
The initiative was overseen by medical superintendent Anup Kumar and coordinated by nodal officer R. K. Mondal, who facilitated participation across departments.
While the campaign has formally ended, organisers said its broader aim is to sustain a culture of cleanliness across the institution, with an emphasis on shared responsibility and long-term behavioural change.
