Govt asks hospitals, states to screen 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha'

In a bid to raise awareness about the ills of open defecation, the Health Ministry has asked all central government hospitals and states to screen the Akshay Kumar-starrer film, 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha', on the third anniversay of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan on October 2.
The initiative is a part of the Centre's ongoing 'Swachhta Hi Sewa' campiagn to promote cleanliness across the country.
The aim is to change the mindset of people regarding open defecation and also to motivate them to set up toilets in their houses, a senior health ministry official said.
Along with central government hospitals, the ministry has written letters to all state governments, urging them to arrange for the screening of the film in the state-run- government health facilities.

"Screening of the film is not mandatory. States are free whether or not to implement this order," the official said.
With the letter, the ministry has also sent a list of 20 central government hospitals which have set a benchmark in terms of sanitation and cleanliness on their premises.
In order to ensure upkeep of high level of cleanliness, sanitation and hygiene within and outside the premises of central government hospitals in the country, the health ministry has launched Kayakalp awards in May 2015.
Under the initiative, awards are being given to health facilities which show exemplary performance in adhering to standard protocols of cleanliness and infection control.