SHILLONG: NEIGRIHMS on Thursday denied any restriction on food habits in the hospital.
Earlier, HSPDP president Ardent Basaiawmoit had claimed that only vegetarian food is served to patients in NEIGRIHMS.
Basaiawmoit had also written to Union Health Minister JP Nadda.
However, in a clarification, NEIGRIHMS said some misinformation regarding non-availability of non-vegetarian food items at various food outlets in the hospital were repeatedly published in some newspapers.
“NEIGRIHMS authorities want to clarify that there are two major canteens in the hospital, one is in the casualty area of the hospital, which has a kitchen and freshly cooked food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian, is served to patients and attendants here. Neither the director nor any other officer of the institute has ever directed contractors of the canteen to stop serving any kind of food,” the statement said.
The PRO, KK Pandita, further said the packed food served the coffee shop at the OPD foyer includes both vegetarian and non-vegetarian items. Packed food items, including chicken momos, chicken noodles,
and chicken rolls, are sold in the shop subject to their availability.
“However, in view of the cooked meat items getting spoiled in short time, canteens have been advised to keep fresh items available for patients and attendants who visit the hospital. Besides, in hospital kitchen, eggs are being served to the admitted patients twice a day depending on the advice of their treating doctor,” the statement said.
“Therefore there is no question of any advisory from the authorities of the institute to stop non-vegetarian food in the hospital as these items are necessary as a protein-rich diet for the patients,” the PRO said.
