Government hospitals across Cuttack are set for a comprehensive transformation of their kitchen and dietary systems following intensified scrutiny from the Orissa High Court regarding hygiene standards, nutritional quality, and food distribution for indoor patients.
Court Monitors Hospital Kitchen Upgrades
During a hearing on November 20, the High Court documented detailed action reports from both SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) and the state health department. The state government revealed that a five-member committee led by SCBMCH's dean and principal was established on November 6 to examine 2022 guidelines for modern kitchen and dietary services.
The committee, which convened on November 10, has set an ambitious deadline of January 15 for completing all upgrade activities. A division bench comprising Justices S K Sahoo and V Narasingh acknowledged that SCBMCH is currently undergoing a redevelopment project that will include modern kitchen facilities. The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 29, 2026.
Enhanced Hygiene and Monitoring Measures
The court's examination of hygienic conditions in SCBMCH kitchens follows earlier raised concerns. In a November 12 affidavit, Prof (Dr) Goutam Kumar Satpathy, medical superintendent in-charge of SCBMCH, detailed that the hospital's dietary services—currently outsourced to M/s Utkal Suppliers from Berhampur—are being closely monitored by dietitians and hospital managers.
All kitchen staff must wear protective gear including aprons, caps, masks, and gloves during food handling. A diet vigilance committee (DVC) conducts surprise inspections and interacts directly with patients to assess diet quality and hygiene standards.
Comprehensive Improvement Plan Implemented
The DVC's September 20 meeting resulted in multiple recommendations for enhancement:
- Bilingual diet feedback forms for better patient communication
- Installation of air curtains and CCTV surveillance in kitchens
- Deployment of two security guards
- Vaccination requirements for all kitchen staff
- Steel tongs for roti preparation
- Designated parking area for kitchen workers
- Construction of sheds for dry-food storage
A pilot diet module has been launched in the orthopaedics department to test new systems. During a November 6 follow-up review, additional directives were issued including printing 10,000 feedback forms, implementing air curtains after installing wire mesh on gates, serving liquid foods in aluminium-foil cups, and expediting CCTV installation.
The enhanced diet rate will now include nutrient-rich drinks or fruit juice plus an additional vegetable item. All kitchen staff completed their vaccinations on November 8 and 9, demonstrating the hospital's commitment to comprehensive improvement.
This systematic overhaul represents a significant step toward ensuring that patients in Cuttack's government hospitals receive hygienic, nutritious meals in compliance with modern healthcare standards under judicial supervision.
