The Environmental Health Unit plays a pivotal role in supporting the National Eye Centre’s (NEC) mission and goals by ensuring the Centre provides a safe, hygienic, and environmentally sustainable workplace. The Unit’s contributions are essential for preventing nosocomial infections, promoting environmental health best practices, and creating a conducive atmosphere for staff, patients, and visitors.

Key Contributions to NEC’s Vision and Goals

1. Maintaining a Healthy, Infection-Free Workplace:
   The Unit is dedicated to ensuring that the Centre remains an environmentally friendly facility free from all forms of nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections. By upholding high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, it safeguards the health and well-being of patients, staff, and visitors alike.
2. Sanitation and Waste Management:
   The Environmental Health Unit ensures that all sanitary facilities are well-maintained and fully functional, minimizing the risk of waste-related health hazards. The Unit oversees proper collection, storage, and disposal of waste, preventing indiscriminate dumping and promoting sustainable waste management practices. Key activities include:
   • Fumigation and Spraying: Regular disinfection to control pests and prevent disease outbreaks.
   • Sweeping and Scrubbing/Washing: Routine cleaning to maintain clean and appealing premises.
3. Routine Inspection of Premises:
   To uphold environmental health standards, the Unit conducts regular inspections in the following areas:
   • Waste Management: Ensures proper waste segregation, collection, and disposal in line with regulatory guidelines.
   • Food Hygiene and Sanitation: Monitors food preparation and service areas to ensure compliance with hygiene standards, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
   • Pest Control: Implements measures to prevent and manage infestations of rodents, insects, and other pests.
   • Pollution Control: Identifies and addresses environmental pollutants to protect the Centre’s surroundings.
   • Environmental Health Standards: Promotes and enforces high-quality environmental health standards within the premises.
4. Health Education and Promotion:
   The Unit provides ongoing health education and awareness programs for staff, patients, and visitors. These initiatives emphasize the importance of adhering to environmental health best practices, fostering a culture of responsibility and cleanliness within the Centre.
5. Reporting and Monitoring:
   Regular assessments and reporting are integral to the Unit’s operations. Weekly and quarterly reports on premises inspections, sanitation activities, and waste management ensure transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement.
6. Horticultural Services:
   The Environmental Health Unit also enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Centre through horticultural services. By maintaining gardens, lawns, and greenery, the Unit contributes to a pleasant and therapeutic environment for patients and staff.

Impact of the Environmental Health Unit

Through its comprehensive services and proactive measures, the Environmental Health Unit significantly contributes to the Centre’s overarching goals of providing world-class healthcare services in a clean, safe, and environmentally sustainable setting. By prioritizing infection prevention, hygiene, and waste management, the Unit ensures that the National Eye Centre remains a model of environmental health excellence.