Ministry of health to adopt Khadi for hospitals

KOLKATA: The Ministry of Health has ordered 23 of its Central Government hospitals and Medical research institutions across the country, such as AIMS, PGIMER, NIMHANS, AIIHPH and others to buy Khadi products only. The forty five Khadi products which are approved by the ministry include the likes of bed sheets, abdomen sheets, dressing towels, surgeon gown, surgical patient gown, kurta pajama, doctor’s coat, soaps , hand sanitizer to Khadi phenyl and herbal shampoo.

“I am also grateful to J P Nadda ji for his pioneering example of prescribing Khadi for medical staff. Rs150 crores worth of purchase from health ministry is a pleasure, no doubt, but a compounding effect of livelihood support it gives to Khadi artisans is a greater satisfaction,” said VK Saxena, KVIC chairman.

A list of 45 items has been circulated for the exclusive use of hospitals and autonomous institutes associated with the health ministry. The list was finalized based on the recommendation of a committee set up by the ministry.

Last year, the sale of Khadi products was at Rs 1510 crore and is projected to grow 35% in the current financial year.