Sambalpur: A fresh tender process has been initiated at the Sambalpur District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for engaging a new agency to prepare and supply food to patients, a day after a dead lizard was reportedly found in a curry served as part of breakfast in the General Medicine ward.
The incident occurred Thursday and triggered concern over food safety and hygiene at the hospital. Taking the matter seriously, the hospital authorities issued a show-cause notice to Nirakar Security and Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd., the agency responsible for preparing and supplying food to patients, and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000.
Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer (CDM&PHO) Dr. Nilamadhab Satpathy said an inspection was conducted after the authorities were informed about the incident. The inspection reportedly found poor-quality food and unhygienic conditions in the preparation process. The agency was also warned that its contract would be cancelled if such an incident recurred.
However, the hospital authorities Friday initiated the tender process to appoint a new agency for food preparation and supply. A new agency is expected to take over the responsibility within a few days. Meanwhile, the hospital has decided to strengthen daily monitoring of food quality. Food prepared for patients will first be inspected by the district food supply authorities before being served. In addition, the hospital manager will collect daily feedback from patients regarding the quality, cleanliness and hygiene of the food. A report card will be prepared based on the feedback, Dr Satpathy said.
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