Apollo Hospitals adheres to the robust infection control program because we recognize that the control and prevention of infection in our patients and the staff who care for them , is an absolute moral commitment and responsibility. The comprehensive infection prevention and control program, is approved by the Ministry of Health .  The Infection Control program covers policies on hand hygiene, occupational health, isolation, infectious diseases notification, clinical sample collection, environmental hygiene, antibiotic usage and infection prevention in practice settings and visitor areas. It also focuses on prevention of nosocomial infections especially ventilator associated infection, surgical site infections and also on control of communicable diseases by policies on patient care related activities.

The policies and guidelines laid down are evidence based on current scientific knowledge and recommendations from Ministry of Health, Oman.

The Infection Control program is supported by information management in relation to microbial surveillance and notifiable diseases.

The overall aim of the Program is to guide doctors and health care workers on minimizing patients’ infection risk and ensuring safety.  The salient features of the program are: Standard or Universal Precautions to ensure safety of healthcare workers Practice of Universal and Standard Precautions, are stringently followed. Orientation and teaching/training programs are carried out at the time of induction and on a regular basis for all employees on Standard Precautions and also on key Infection control norms such as Hand Hygiene practices . Our Staff health policy ensures that all staff is vaccinated in lines with the Ministry requirements.

Safe water supply in all patient care areas for hand washing and alcohol based hand rubs at all patient beds are ensured and vigilant observational audits are performed periodically to ensure high compliance to hand hygiene at patient care areas.

Use of Clinical practice guidelines and protocols.

Guidelines are followed for usage and care of intravascular devices , catheters and in the usage of other such invasive devices. Care of equipment, linen disinfection, air conditioning for operating rooms and CCUs as well as management of blood spills and needle stick injuries is done according to International protocols. We also have an established waste management policy.