SODEXO SERVING
>> It is one of the world’s largest health service company
>> Will be providing hygienic food to GMC patients
>> Deal signed with the company is worth Rs 16 cr annually
>> To also take over all canteens and supplies to hostels.
PANAJI: Patients in Goa Medical College & Hospital (GMC) will now be provided with hygienic food in accordance with the requirement of the treatment.
The government has roped in a company Sodexo with an annual estimate of Rs 16 crore to provide therapeutic and hygienic food to around 1,500 patients admitted to the hospital at Bambolim, as per requirement of individual patient's treatment.
After the launch of food services on Thursday, State Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said that during the initial stages, the company will provide food to all the 1,500 patients in the hospital, while in the second phase, they will take over all the canteen and supplies to hostels.
The Health Minister informed that the state government has inked a deal with Sodexo at an annual estimate of Rs 16 crore. “Each of the patients will be provided food depending on the requirement of his treatment. Common food for all the patients will henceforth be not served," Rane said.
The decision for serving hygienic food comes on the back of frequent complaints of poor quality food provided to patients at the state-run Goa Medical College and Hospital, said the Health Minister.
Vishwajit said that the State government was spending around Rs 14 crore annually on food, which has been increased by around 1.5 crore after handing it over to Sodexo, which is one of the world’s largest health service company.
