In Cebu City hospitals

CEBU, Philippines - Rubbing alcohol stations pushed Cebu City hospitals are now urged to place rubbing alcohol stations in all conspicuous places after Cebu City councilor Alvin Dizon's proposed resolution was approved by the City Council.

The World Health Organization (WHO) requires rubbing alcohol stations to be placed near a patient's bed, doors, elevators and other places where direct hand contact is common.

According to WHO, Healthcare Association Infections (HAI) pathogens have become a global threat. WHO also considers HAI-related cases as a public health problem which is seen in developing countries like the Philippines.

HAIs are infections that patients get while they are inside the premises of medical centers and receiving treatment from health personnel. The pathogens of HAI are transmitted through direct or indirect hand contact. Infections between health personnel are possible with HAI.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 out of 20 hospitalized patients will contract HAI.

One of the common causes of the spread of these pathogens is due to poor hand hygiene. HAI may lead to urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, bloodstream infections and pneumonia.

Dizon hopes placing rubbing alcohol stations will prevent HAI in Cebu City hospitals and medical facilities.

In his resolution, Dizon urged hospitals to post notices about HAI to educate both health personnel and the patients.

Both the city health department and the Department of Health will launch a full information campaign on HAI. (FREEMAN)