Post pandemic: Leading the way in infection control and hygiene

In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus on infection control, hygiene, and disinfection has become paramount in our discussions and everyday lives. Recognizing the significance of hygiene, Raman & Weil, in collaboration with the HARTMANN GROUP, has been at the forefront of providing safety and hygiene awareness for healthcare workers, patients, and the community for over three decades.

The journey began in the 1980s when Raman & Weil identified the shortcomings in hospital disinfection practices that heavily relied on soap, water, phenyl and formaldehyde. The use of harmful disinfectants and the absence of standard protocols led to a significant increase in Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) and financial losses for hospitals. Consequently, there arose a pressing need for globally certified and scientifically proven solutions. Recognizing this gap, Raman & Weil partnered with BODE Chemie GmbH, (now a subsidiary of the HARTMANN GROUP), specializing in Hi-Tech disinfectants. In 1989, they first introduced Sterillium® in India, a globally recognized alcohol-based hand disinfectant and became pioneers in the hand rub market. Over the years, they became leaders in providing superior & scientifically proven hand, surface, skin, and instrument disinfectants for healthcare facilities and other industries such as pharmaceutical & food.

Established in 1818, the HARTMANN GROUP has a rich legacy of transforming healthcare outcomes through innovation and collaboration. As a trusted partner with Raman & Weil for over 34 years, they have played a pivotal role in advancing in the field of disinfection in India. Their comprehensive understanding of global healthcare challenges enables them to create formulations for safer environments and improve patient outcomes. With a focus on smart, outcome-focused solutions, they continue to dominate & drive advancements in the industry, positively impacting lives.

Since 2011, accessible to all, the HARTMANN Science Centre has been dedicated to making infection prevention knowledge accessible and are also developing evidence-based solutions. Their efforts include optimizing the disinfection practices in standard guidelines.

Their partnership offers a wide range of trusted brands like Sterillium®, Bacillol®, Baktolin®, Cutasept® etc., all complying with stringent European Norms to ensure high quality and performance. They offer pocket-friendly yet scientifically efficacious disinfectant solutions under one umbrella. In India, the R&W science centre offers comprehensive support, including clinical education, assessment programs, workshops, consultative services and CME programs. Some of these programs have been adapted from HARTMANN to suit the Indian healthcare environment. Their efforts extend beyond hospitals, as they partner with esteemed bodies like CAHO and HSSC to share their learnings and promote infection prevention & control practices.

As the most trusted partners in infection control for hospitals, their collaboration has proven invaluable during various pandemics and outbreaks, including NIPAH, Swine flu, Ebola, COVID-19, Monkeypox, and global threats like AMR. Their products have become the preferred choice among surgeons, clinicians, and healthcare workers across India. Sterillium®, their flagship brand, has been awarded the esteemed title of “Brand of the Century” for the third time in a row and is trusted for its effectiveness in hand hygiene. Sterillium® is used approximately 4 billion times for hand disinfection each year worldwide!

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, they have remained steadfast in delivering the best solutions and protecting frontline healthcare workers present in critical & non–critical areas of the hospitals.

Their collaboration has been a driving force in infection control and hygiene for decades in India. Their commitment to excellence, scientific expertise, and range of efficacious solutions have made a significant impact on healthcare practices, ensuring the safety and well-being of healthcare workers, patients and the community.