‘Stale food’ served to patients at Odisha Daspalla hospital, probe ordered

Patients at the Daspalla Community Health Centre (CHC) in Nayagarh district have complained of being served stale and sour food, triggering unrest within the facility and prompting health officials to initiate an internal inquiry.

According to reports, the matter came to light on Sunday after several patients and their family members were found dumping the supplied food into the dustbins. They alleged that the food was not at all fit for consumption.

Notably, the meals at the hospital are supplied by a local Self-Help Group (SHG) authorised to provide daily food to patients.

Patients Claim Negligence By Hospital Staff

Several patients alleged that the food distributed on Sunday, including the rice, dal and curry, was of poor quality and tasted unusually sour. They said the meals appeared old and may have been reheated before serving.

“The dal and curry taste sour and bitter. They served us food at around 11. We do not know if the food was stale,” said patient Subhasini Nayak, adding that consuming such food defeated the purpose of treatment.

“If sick people eat this quality of food, how will they get better? The food they serve feels like it is meant to be discarded,” she said, also alleging that the evening meals were delayed and similarly substandard.

The complaints triggered visible agitation among attendants, who argued that nutritious meals are essential for recovery, especially for those undergoing prolonged treatment.

Complaint Formally Submitted To Health Officials

Patients and attendants later brought the matter to the officer in charge of the health centre. The facility sources confirmed that food distribution at the CHC is contracted to a local SHG, which is expected to maintain hygiene, freshness and nutrition standards as per government norms.

However, patients claimed that the quality had fallen below acceptable levels for more than a day, though Sunday’s incident prompted them to lodge a formal complaint.

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Health Officer Seeks Written Complaints

Responding to the allegations, Dr Sanip Swain, the officer-in-charge of the Daspalla CHC, acknowledged receiving the complaint.

“We received allegations regarding this today for the first time,” he said. “I instructed the warden to obtain written complaints from the patients for record-keeping. We will inspect the matter and send a notice to the SHG group engaged in meal distribution. If any discrepancy is found, they will not be allowed to continue.”

Dr Swain added that meal quality inspections would be carried out and corrective action taken swiftly if the allegations are verified.