Contributor to NHM & NPHCE Policies of India
Introduction
The National Health Mission (NHM) provides a framework for strengthening healthcare delivery across India. Within this framework, the National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE) focuses on specialized geriatric care through District Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), and Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
EQ Wet Wash Gloves have been proposed as an innovative hygiene solution to support NHM and NPHCE objectives, addressing systemic challenges in geriatric hygiene management such as water scarcity, infection control, patient comfort, and operational efficiency.
Current Challenges in Geriatric Hygiene
Elderly patients, especially those who are bedridden or mobility-restricted, face significant hygiene gaps under existing practices.
- Water Scarcity: Conventional bed baths consume 2–5 litres of water per patient, creating inconsistent hygiene in water-stressed areas.
- Infection Control: Shared basins and towels increase cross-contamination risks, leading to higher rates of HAIs, skin infections, and UTIs.
- Time & Resource Intensive: Bed baths take 15–30 minutes per patient, reducing caregiver efficiency.
- Patient Comfort & Dignity: Cold exposure, rough sponges, and limited privacy compromise comfort and dignity.
EQ Wet Wash Gloves - A Policy-Aligned Solution
EQ Wet Wash Gloves offer a waterless, single-use, pre-moistened solution for full-body cleansing that is safe, efficient, and dignified.
Key Benefits
- Zero water requirement
- Minimal cross-contamination risk
- Faster hygiene routine (6–8 minutes per patient)
- Improved patient dignity and comfort
- Reduced costs of water, laundry, and disinfectants
Alignment with NHM & NPHCE Objectives
- Equity: Uniform quality hygiene care across rural and urban facilities.
- Efficiency: Saves nursing time and reduces resource wastage.
- Quality of Care: Better infection prevention and patient satisfaction.
- Sustainability: Cuts dependency on water, laundry, and chemical disinfectants.
Supports NPHCE goals by
- Ensuring hygienic and dignified elder care.
- Reducing morbidity from preventable infections.
- Enabling community-based and home-based elderly care interventions.