1. OPPAM

MCC(PGIOSR ) has pioneered OPPAM, an innovative social media-driven initiative aimed at facilitating patient care and grievance management. Launched in October 2019, OPPAM leverages the widespread use of WhatsApp to provide real-time support for patients, caregivers, and the public, ensuring efficient communication and resolution of concerns.

Key Highlights

Award-Winning Initiative: OPPAM was recognized with the Kerala State e-Governance Award 2019-20 and 2020-21 in the category of Social Media& e-Governance and Innovations in COVID-19 Pandemic Management, underscoring its impact and excellence.
Fast and Accessible Grievance Redressal: Patients and bystanders can share concerns via WhatsApp, ensuring swift responses from MCC's dedicated teams.
Expert Opinion for Cancer Patients: Allows remote consultations with specialists without requiring physical hospital visits, improving access to quality care.
Medicine Delivery Support: During the COVID-19 lockdown, medicines were efficiently delivered through coordinated efforts with volunteers and public service departments.
Sustainable and Replicable Model: The initiative has demonstrated effectiveness and can be adopted by other institutions for enhanced patient engagement and service delivery.

Positive Impact: Patient satisfaction levels improved significantly, reinforcing OPPAM's role as a transformative best practice at MCC(PGIOSR).
By harnessing the power of social media for healthcare support, OPPAM stands as a benchmark in patient-centered innovation and public service excellence.

2. Waste Management at MCC(PGIOSR): A Model of Excellence

At MCC (PGIOSR),waste management is not simply a routine task—it is an integrated, institution-wide commitment to sustainability and operational excellence.Recognized by bodies such as the Kerala State Pollution Control Board and receiving Kerala State Energy Conservation Award (2016, I-Prize) and Kerala State Pollution Control Board Award (2017), our waste management approach has been celebrated as a best practice. This pioneering system was also featured at the ‘Vruthi2025’ Clean Kerala Conclave, held at Kanakakunu Palace,Trivandrum where its innovative methodologies and commitment to environmental stewardship were spotlighted.

Holistic and Detailed Approach

MCC(PGIOSR) ’s waste management plan is comprehensive in its scope, covering both hospital zones and non-hospital areas such as dormitories, staff quarters, canteens, and academic blocks. The system is designed around a few key principles:

Segregation at Source:

Biomedical waste is carefully segregated at the point of generation using clearly color-coded bins. This step is critical not only for ensuring the safety of waste handlers but also for maintaining compliance with the Biomedical Waste (BMW) Rule 2016. Each category—ranging from radio-active waste to biodegradable and non-biodegradable solid waste—is handled with specific treatment protocols ensuring complete traceability and accountability.

Robust Monitoring and Documentation:

Every step, from the weighing and scanning of biomedical waste to its final disposal, is thoroughly documented. Registers, routine rounds, and checklist-based audits ensure that no deviation occurs and that every batch is tracked until its final collection. Such rigor supports continuous improvement and regulatory compliance.

Dedicated Training and Awareness:

MCC(PGIOSR) has instituted extensive training programs covering all personnel involved—from doctors and nurses to housekeeping staff and support services. Regular sessions ensure that every member of the waste management workforce is up to date with the latest practices. Detailed training records reveal a large number of classes conducted with significant attendance, ensuring that even the smallest detail in waste handling is understood and implemented uniformly.

Innovative Infrastructure and Sustainable Processes

MCC(PGIOSR) ’s infrastructure is being built to achieve both immediate operational safety and long-term sustainability:
Advanced Treatment Facilities:The waste management process extends beyond segregation and includes centralized transportation to specialized areas where waste is weighed, scanned, and finally disposed of in accordance with established protocols. On the liquid waste front, MCC (PGIOSR) functions a 400 KLD sewage treatment plant (STP) that not only purifies wastewater but also repurposes treated water for flushing, gardening, and construction use. The integration of a moving bed bio-reactor (MBBR) further exemplifies cutting-edge application in liquid waste treatment.

Resource Recovery and Energy Considerations:

Organic waste generated within the campus is channelled to biogas plants strategically placed near canteens and hostels. These plants not only manage biodegradable waste but also generate usable gas for cooking purposes, showcasing the centre’s ability to transform waste management into an energy recovery process. The emphasis on reducing disposables, promoting reusable containers, and even the integration of renewable energy sources (such as solar water heaters) speaks volumes about MCC’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint.

Collaboration with External Partners:

Recognizing the need for expert intervention, MCC(PGIOSR)has partnered with organizations like the Clean Kerala company to manage non-degradable waste. This collaboration involves segregated collection, twice-weekly pickups, and safe disposal methodologies. Such public–private partnerships are a cornerstone of MCC(PGIOSR)’s strategy to ensure that waste does not pose a hazard to the environment or public health.

Governance and Community Engagement

MCC( PGIOSR)’s waste management system is supported by a multilayered governance structure, which includes:

Waste Management Committee:Established in 2019, this committee drives the scientific approach to waste segregation and disposal. Regular departmental meetings and intersectional collaborations across various committees (such as the Environmental Monitoring Committee and Admin Committee) are vital to maintaining the highest standards.

Community and Staff Involvement:MCC(PGIOSR) adopts a proactive approach in changing behaviour and attitudes toward waste. Staff are provided tokens of appreciation for their commitment to sustainable practices, and regular workshops and audits reinforce the message of responsible waste management.

Recognition and Awards:

The award wins in 2016 and 2017 are a testament not only to the effective systems in place but also to MCC(PGIOSR)’s ability to serve as an inspiration for other institutions. The recognition at the Vruthi2025 Clean Kerala Conclave further solidified MCC(PGIOSR)’s place as a trailblazer in shaping institutional best practices in waste management.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, MCC (PGIOSR) aims to push the boundaries of its sustainable initiatives by setting short-term goals like transitioning into a paperless hospital environment, establishing incinerators for solid waste, and adding enhanced treatment for liquid waste through additional ETP systems. In the long term, MCC(PGIOSR) is on track towards achieving a net-zero, campus. The continued integration of smart building technologies—including energy-efficient HVAC systems and green transportation solutions—will further reinforce this commitment.

MCC(PGIOSR)’s waste management strategy stands as a beacon of innovation and responsibility. Its meticulous processes, comprehensive infrastructure, continuous training, and effective public–private partnerships have not only led to safer and cleaner facilities but have also established MCC(PGIOSR)as a leading model for sustainability in the healthcare sector.

3. Kannur District Cancer Control Consortium (KCCC): Empowering Community-Based Cancer Control

The Kannur District Cancer Control Consortium (KCCC)is a pioneering initiative spearheaded by MCC (PGIOSR) that seeks to decentralize and strengthen cancer control across Kannur District and Mahe. Recognizing that early detection, prevention, and timely intervention are key to reducing the cancer burden, KCCC brings together a diverse network of more than 40 organizations—including charitable institutions, palliative care groups, social service organizations, and community volunteers. These members collaborate to promote awareness, eliminate the stigma around cancer, and support early detection and treatment efforts.

At the heart of its mission are strategic activities such as public awareness campaigns, innovative educational programs, and community outreach initiatives. KCCC conducts regular events, webinars, and cultural competitions focused on dispelling myths about cancer and advocating for healthy lifestyles. The consortium also plays a crucial role in patient navigation, guiding new cancer patients through MCC(PGIOSR)’s systems to ensure they receive prompt, compassionate care.

By leveraging local partnerships and technical expertise from MCC(PGIOSR), KCCC not only expands the reach of cancer control programs to underserved rural and tribal areas but also fosters community empowerment. This integrated approach has enhanced the effectiveness of cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and psychosocial support, ultimately contributing to improved outcomes in cancer care.

Since its inception, the Kannur District Cancer Control Consortium (KCCC) has made significant strides in community-based cancer control. Some of its key achievements include:

Expanding Cancer Awareness: KCCC has conducted numerous awareness programs, including observation of key days like World Cancer Day, No Tobacco Day, and National Cancer Awareness Day, reaching thousands of individuals across Kannur and Mahe.

Innovative Public Engagement: The consortium has introduced creative competitions such as poster contests, video challenges, and literary events to spread cancer awareness in an engaging manner.

Patient Navigation Program through a dedicated Help Desk: One of its most impactful initiatives, this program provides guidance and emotional support to new cancer patients visiting MCC(PGIOSR), helping them navigate hospital procedures with ease.

Webinars and Digital Outreach: Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, KCCC continued its mission through online webinars, ensuring uninterrupted cancer education and awareness.

Support During COVID-19: The consortium played a crucial role in distributing oncology medicines and colostomy bags to patients who faced travel restrictions, ensuring continuity of care.

Research and Clinical Trial Support: KCCC has actively contributed to increasing the acceptability of clinical trials, including the COVID vaccine clinical trial conducted at MCC(PGIOSR).

Community Collaboration: With 41 member organizations, KCCC has successfully decentralized cancer control efforts, ensuring that awareness and support reach even rural and tribal areas.

These achievements highlight KCCC’s commitment to cancer prevention, early detection, and patient support, making it a model initiative in community-driven healthcare.