Health Ministry Leads Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 Cleanliness Drive
Union Health Ministry officials led a voluntary shramdaan under the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign in New Delhi to promote public health and hygiene.
In a significant move to promote hygiene and public health, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare organized a voluntary cleanliness drive, known as shramdaan, as part of the Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign. The event took place near Gate No. 3 of Kartavya Bhavan-1 on Dr Rajendra Prasad Marg in New Delhi.
The initiative was led by Dr. Rajiv Bahl, Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). He was joined by a large group of senior officials and ministry staff, all working together to clean the designated area.
High-Level Participation in the Drive
The cleanliness drive saw active involvement from several top-ranking health officials, demonstrating the ministry's commitment to the cause. Key participants included:
- Aradhana Patnaik, Additional Secretary and Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM).
- Dr. Rakesh Gupta, Additional Secretary and Director General of the National AIDS Control Organisation (NACO).
- Dr. Loveneesh G Krishna, Director General of Health Services (DGHS).
The activity was carried out under the campaign's central theme, ‘Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’, which underscores the power of collective action and the importance of every citizen participating in cleanliness drives.
A Call for Sustained Collective Action
During the event, Dr. Rajiv Bahl emphasized that cleanliness should not be a one-time event but a sustained, collective effort. He encouraged both government officials and the general public to take an active role in maintaining clean and healthy environments.
Echoing these sentiments, Aradhana Patnaik highlighted the concept of Jan Bhagidari (public participation). She noted that individual responsibility is crucial to creating healthier public spaces and that maintaining cleanliness requires the consistent and responsible action of every single person.
Linking Cleanliness to Public Health
The Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 campaign is designed to strengthen public involvement in sanitation efforts across India. It operates on the principle that cleanliness is not merely an institutional duty but a shared societal commitment that must be embraced at the community level.
By organizing this drive, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has reaffirmed its dedication to the goals of the Swachh Bharat Mission. The ministry continues to stress the vital link between maintaining clean surroundings and ensuring better public health and healthy living for all citizens.