Father Muller Observes WORLD HAND HYGIENE DAY 2026
Mangalore: In observance of the World Health Organisation’s World Hand Hygiene Day, 5th May 2026, the Infection Prevention and Control Committee (IPCC), in association with Dept of Microbiology, Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), organized a series of engaging and educational activities to promote awareness about the importance of Hand Hygiene in preventing infections and ensuring patient safety.
This year’s celebration was marked by enthusiastic participation across all establishments of Father Muller Charitable Institution with several creative competitions and recognition initiatives.
A Valedictory Hand Hygiene programme was conducted on 5th May 2026 at the FMMCH Conference Hall.
Rev. Fr. Faustine Lucas Lobo Richard Aloysius Coelho, Director, FMCI, presided over the function. Dr. Sudeep K., HOD, Dept of Endocrinology, was the chief guest. Other dignitaries on the dais were Rev. Fr. George Jeevan Sequeira, Administrator, Dr. Uday Kumar, Medical Superintendent, Dr. Rev. Sr. Nancy Priya Mathais, Chief Nursing Officer of FMMCH, and Dr. Thomas S. K., Professor, Dept of Microbiology and IPCC Chairperson.
Dignitaries off the dais were Rev. Fr. Michael Santhumayor, Administrator of Father Muller Medical College (FMMC), Rev. Fr. William D’Souza & Rev. Fr. Rohan Michael Dias Assistant Administrators FMMCH, Dr. Antony Sylvan D’Souza, Dean, FMMC, Dr. Venkatesh B.M Vice Dean FMMC, Dr. Kishan Shetty, Deputy MS, Dr. Kiran Shetty, Additional MS, Dr. Shiv Shankara, Principal, Father Muller College of Allied Health Sciences (FMCOHAS), Dr. Ramesh Bhat, Head of Research, Father Muller Research Centre (FMRC) and Rev Sr. Dr. Dhanya Devasiya, Principal, Father Muller College of Nursing (FMCON).
The event began with a soulful prayer by Ms. Viola Thomas, IPCN, and team. Dr. Thomas S. K. escorted the dignitaries onto the dais and also welcomed the gathering. The President and the Chief guest addressed the gathering and motivated all to make hand hygiene a habit and strictly follow all the hand hygiene protocols and save lives not only at health care facilities but also in the community. Ms. Megha Kulal, Infection Prevention & Control Nurse (IPCN), and Ms. Preema Monis were the MC’s of the program.
Ms. Merlyn IPCN read out the details of the winners of a variety of competitions that were conducted a week before, with the “WHO” theme “Action Saves Lives”, encouraging participants to express their understanding of hand hygiene in innovative ways.
These included Reels Competition, where participants created short videos demonstrating correct hand hygiene practices and their significance in daily life. A Drawing Competition showcasing artistic interpretations of hand hygiene themes, and a Face Painting Competition added a vibrant and creative dimension, symbolizing germs, cleanliness, and protection.
Hand Hygiene related Quiz Competitions were also held to test and enhance knowledge regarding hand hygiene guidelines, techniques, and global standards.
REEL COMPETITION JUDGES
Dr. Srishankar, Associate Professor, Department of Respiratory Medicine, FMMC
Mr. Manoj P. S., Associate Professor, Department of Child Health Nursing, FMCON
DRAWING COMPETITION JUDGES
Dr. Ganesh Nayak S., Associate Professor, Department of General Medicine, FMMC
Ms. Thamizharasi N., Associate Professor, Department of OBG, FMCON
FACE PAINTING COMPETITION JUDGES
Dr. Vinay Vaidyanathan Rao, Professor and HOD, Department of ENT, FMMC
Ms. Lakshmi S. Kunnath, Associate Professor, FMCOSH
QUIZ COMPETITION ORGANISER
Dr. Sandra J. Saldanha, Department of Child Health Nursing, FMCON
The winners of the Reel Competition, following an impressive display of creativity and awareness:
Consolation prizes will be given to two groups, and they go to:
ALAN KOCHUMON and team, Divine mercy
JINSON MONTEIRO and team, Fathima, ground floor
The 3rd Prize goes to:
JEEVAN RAJ and team, dialysis unit
The 2nd Prize goes to:
PRAMILA MONTHY PINTO and team, Z1 ward
And the 1st Prize is proudly bagged by:
RESHMA NAZRETH and team, Onco OT
The winners of the Drawing Competition, where participants beautifully expressed their ideas through art:
The 3rd Prize is shared by two participants
Mr. Preetham D’Souza – Staff Nurse, Z Ward
Ms. Saliba Shibumon – BSc MLT, 2nd Year
The 2nd Prize goes to:
Ms. Treesa Joseph – Staff Nurse, Z1 Ward
The 1st Prize is bagged by:
Ms. Manisha S. Nagekar – Staff Nurse, Level 4 ICU
The winners of the Face Painting Competition, where creativity was brought to life through vibrant expressions:
The 3rd Prize goes to:
Ms. Manisha S. Nagekar and Ms. Jincy – Staff Nurse, Level 4 ICU
The 2nd Prize goes to:
Ms. Anisha Rodrigues and Ms. Clerita Cutinha – 1st Year BSc Nursing
The 1st Prize is bagged by:
Ms. Suprita Naik and Ms. Ann Jose – Staff Nurse, ITU
The Quiz Competition, organized for the ward in-charges, highlighted excellent knowledge and quick thinking.
· The 3rd Prize goes to:
Ms. Wilma Gracy Veigas – In-charge, Asha Kiran 5th Floor
· The 2nd Prize goes to:
Ms. Precilla Rodrigues – In-charge, Casualty
· And the 1st Prize is bagged by:
Sr. Vinitha Shwetha D’Souza – In-charge, Sacred Heart 2nd Floor
The Link Nurses of FMMCH participated in a competency-based assessment focused on infection prevention and control protocols. Their dedication to maintaining high standards of patient care is truly commendable.
The 3rd Prize goes to:
Mr. Ainmesh Mondal – Staff Nurse, Onco OT
The 2nd Prize goes to:
Ms. Melisha Jenifer D’Souza – Staff Nurse, Sacred Heart Ground floor
And the 1st Prize is bagged by:
Ms. Lavina Veigas – Staff Nurse, ITU
Ms. Deena Andrade, IPCC Secretary and IPCN, organised a quick spot game for all at the event to encourage team bonding and create a lively atmosphere.
To recognize and motivate consistent adherence to best practices, Hand Hygiene Champions were identified among doctors, nurses, and general categories based on compliance, leadership, and commitment to promoting Hand Hygiene. Their efforts serve as an inspiration for others to follow and maintain high standards of infection prevention and control.
Additionally, an Annual Rolling Trophy for Wards and high-risk areas was introduced to foster healthy competition among various departments. This trophy was awarded to those areas demonstrating the highest overall performance in hand hygiene compliance, participation in activities, and innovation in promoting awareness.
The event successfully reinforced the critical role of hand hygiene in healthcare settings and beyond. It also highlighted the importance of continuous education, creativity, and recognition in sustaining behavioural change. The active involvement and enthusiasm of all participants made this initiative impactful and memorable.
Overall, World Hand Hygiene Day, 5th May 2026, was celebrated with great spirit, leaving a lasting impression and strengthening our collective commitment to a safer and healthier environment. Dr. Prassana N. Bhat, Assoc Prof Microbiology deliovered the vote of thanks.