The Amma canteen at Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital in Salem.
‘Hard-earned money spent on travel, treatment’
The Amma canteen, constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.9 crore on Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital premises, is lying idle for the past five months.
Since it is a referral hospital for patients from five districts, over 10,000 people visit the hospital everyday. But only two canteens serve the needs of the people. Hence, to cater to the needs of the visitors, the foundation stone was laid in July and work was completed in September-end.
The spacious dining hall could accommodate more than 100 people at any time. But the facility created in three months is lying idle and is waiting for inauguration.
On the other hand, it was alleged that inferior quality ingredients were used in preparing food material and sold in the existing two canteens. Also, when officials of Tamil Nadu Food Safety and Drug Administration Department inspected the canteens on Wednesday, sub-standard items were used in preparing food.
Also, the food is not prepared in hygienic environment and unprotected drinking water is served to the people. Poor people who visit the hospital said that spending too much on food is not possible for them and hence demanded that the Amma canteen be opened immediately. “Our hard earned money is spent on travelling and on treatment. If the canteen is opened, we can get the food at affordable cost”, they added.
Corporation officials pointed out that orders have to come from Chennai for running the canteen.
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