The India Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) Handbook: A Practical Guide to NABH, JCI, and National Compliance

In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare, infection prevention and control (IPC) stands as one of the most critical pillars of patient safety and quality care. With over three decades of experience as a medical microbiologist and educator, I have witnessed the profound impact of robust IPC practices on reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), combating antimicrobial resistance, and elevating institutional standards across diverse settings—from tertiary teaching hospitals to resource-constrained facilities. As healthcare in      
India continues to expand and integrate global benchmarks, the need for a comprehensive, practical, and India-centric IPC resource has never been greater.

It is with immense pride and enthusiasm that I write this preface for The India IPC Handbook—a landmark collaborative endeavour by more than 48 distinguished experts from across the nation. This book is not merely a compilation of guidelines; it is a meticulously crafted, evidence-based roadmap that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world application. Covering essential domains such as hand hygiene, sterilization validation, biomedical waste management (fully aligned with the 2024 Rules), high-risk unit protocols, construction-related ICRA, employee health, and medico-legal aspects, it provides actionable tools—checklists, KPIs, audit formats, and risk matrices—that are immediately implementable.

What truly sets this handbook apart is its deep alignment with contemporary standards: NABH 6th Edition, JCI 7th Edition, Kayakalp, LaQshya, and the latest NMC CBME curriculum principles, while addressing unique Indian challenges like high endemic fungal burdens, seasonal outbreaks, and variable resource availability. As someone deeply involved in curriculum innovation—having contributed to national textbooks like Ananthanarayan & Paniker’s Textbook of Microbiology, authored CBME-based practical record books and logbooks for Phase-II MBBS students, and served as National Faculty for NMC’s Basic and Advanced Courses in Medical Education—I particularly appreciate the book’s emphasis on competency-based training, faculty development, and integrating microbiology education with infection control practices.

This handbook empowers not only microbiologists and IPC teams but also clinicians, nurses, administrators, and accreditation assessors to foster a culture of continuous improvement and zero tolerance for preventable harm. In an era where antimicrobial stewardship and diagnostic precision are intertwined with prevention, it serves as an indispensable guide for building resilient healthcare systems.

I wholeheartedly commend the editorial team and contributors for this outstanding achievement. The India IPC Handbook will undoubtedly become the definitive reference for IPC excellence in India, inspiring the next generation of healthcare professionals to deliver safer, higher-quality care.

With deep commitment to medical microbiology and education,