There has been widespread public outcry regarding the alleged substandard food being served at the Ramagundam Singareni Medical College and the Godavarikhani Government General Hospital, besides the canteen attached to the institutions. Allegations have emerged that medical college students and hospital patients are provided with poor-quality food, including expired products. In light of these accusations, Dr R Dr Anusha, the district food safety officer, inspected both the medical college and the government hospital two days ago, leading to the finding of several hygiene violations.
When the Food Safety officer went to inspect the kitchen of the medical college and the government hospital, she was prevented by the hospital staff. This incident, where the district food safety officer was denied permission to conduct an inspection, went viral in the district.
Dr Anusha, while talking to The Pioneer, confirmed that she was initially not allowed to inspect the medical college and hospital. She inspected after the police intervened and warned the hospital staff. Dr Anusha expressed her anger over the poor quality of food being served at the Singareni Medical College. She stated that the use of expired ingredients was posing a risk to students’ health. During her surprise inspection, she discovered contaminated food items, such as rice and pulses infested with weevils.
When she tried to visit the canteen at the Singareni Area Hospital, officials denied her entry, which further disappointed her. With the intervention of higher authorities and local police, she ultimately gained access to the hospital canteen, where several violations came to light, she said. She expressed outrage over the preparation of food for patients using items, including rotten tamarind and expired products. She mentioned that the identified low-quality items have been sent to the lab for testing. Based on the lab reports, further actions will be taken, Dr Anusha said.
The refusal to allow the district food safety officer to conduct inspections indicated the extent of alleged corruption and malpractice that took place in the institution.
Higher authorities must take this matter seriously and not ignore such incidents, students said. The district administration is reportedly seized of the matter and may order a probe into the entire episode.