Sambalpur, Nov. 25: Local residents today took part in a cleanliness drive at the district headquarters hospital here.

Social workers, students and members of 65 organisations were part of the drive that began at 7am and continued till 11am

“This is an effort to make the citizens aware about cleanliness. Through this drive, we want to send a message that cleanliness of the hospital is the responsibility of every citizen,” said coordinator of the drive Sudheer Pujari.

Earlier, a meeting between the citizens and several social organisations was held to make the drive successful.

Sambalpur Municipality was also a part of the drive. The municipality engaged 60 cleaning staff members to clean the hospital. It also provided vehicles and cleaning equipment.

“I am happy to see that the residents have come forward to clean the district headquarters hospital. Thousands of people depend on this hospital. However, cleanliness has been a matter of concern here. But now the residents have taken up the responsibility to clean the hospital. The mass cleaning drive will definitely make people aware of their responsibility,” said Sushila, an attendant of a patient.

The residents also cleaned the drains of the hospital, which were lying clogged with polythene bags and plastic waste.

“I am happy to be a part of the cleanliness drive. Any healthcare centre should be kept clean. Unfortunately, not a lot was being done for the cleanliness of the district headquarters hospital. It is our hospital and we should keep it clean,” said Pusparani Mohapatra, a local resident.

Chief district medical officer of Sambalpur, Panchanan Patel said: “The participation of so many people will make others aware about cleanliness.”