An observational study on the comparative evaluation of kaya kelp initiative implementation at government hospital in the western region of Maharashtra

Introduction: The Kayakalp Initiative, launched under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, aims to enhance cleanliness and hygiene standards in healthcare facilities. This study aimed to assess the implementation of the Kayakalp Initiative. Specific objectives included conducting an internal audit and evaluating initiative implementation, comparing state and internal audit scores, analyzing variations in Kayakalp parameters and identifying contributing factors, predicting scores for the next year's Internal Audit, and recommending digital solutions for quality improvement. Material and Methods: Data was collected using the Kayakalp Secondary Care Level Checklist through direct observation, staff interviews, and record reviews to evaluate cleanliness, hygiene, and other thematic areas. Results: The state audit revealed high compliance with cleanliness standards, while the internal audit indicated a marginal decline. Thematic analysis showed improvements in Waste Management and Infection Control but highlighted declines in Hospital/Facility Upkeep, Sanitation & Hygiene, Beyond Hospital Boundaries, and Eco-friendly practices. Also, with the help of statistical calculation, the study predicted the score of the next Kayakalp audit. Conclusion: The Kayakalp program requires ongoing supervision and monitoring to sustain improvements. Incorporating digital technologies like mobile apps and IoT solutions can enhance hospital cleanliness standards and promote sustainability. The successful implementation of such technology at Government Hospitals can provide a model for other healthcare facilities.