Health Department ties up with ISKCON to provide nutritional diet for inpatients in three govt. hospitals

The State Health Department has tied up with ISKCON to introduce a customised diet plan for inpatients in three government hospitals. The diet plan has been designed to cater to the nutritional needs of general patients, those who are on therapy for renal issues, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, pregnant and lactating mothers and children.

As the ISKCON diet does not include eggs and onion and garlic, the customised diet provides milk, soya chunks, sprouts, fruits such as banana and orange, peanut chikki and ragi balls apart from rice, chapati and vegetable sambhar and palya. However, activists have raised concerns over the exclusion of eggs and onion/garlic.

On pilot basis

The initiative, launched in C.V. Raman General Hospital on Tuesday, will cover inpatients in K.C. General and Jayanagar General hospitals on a pilot basis. Launching the programme, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said ISKCON will be responsible for providing these meals daily, covering breakfast, two snacks, lunch, and dinner to around 250 inpatients in each of the three hospitals, with a budget of approximately ₹13.7 million allocated over nine months. 

“The move signifies a shift away from one-size-fits-all hospital meals. By acknowledging the varied dietary requirements of different patient groups, the programme is aimed at promoting faster recovery, providing targeted nutrition and improving overall maternal and child health outcomes,” he said.

The Minister, who launched the initiative by serving meals to patients at C.V. Raman hospital, said, based on its success, this initiative is expected to be extended to other government hospitals in the State, where ISKCON has a presence.

Activists unhappy

However, activists argued that such decisions ignore both nutritional science and the needs of vulnerable communities. Sylvia Karpagam, a public health doctor and researcher said patients, including pregnant and breast feeding women, senior citizens and children who are recovering from illness require a good quality diet.

“Soya chunks everyday is not a healthy option. It is concerning that the Congress government is going out of its way to promote these unscientific diets instead of consulting nutritional experts and communities,” she said.

Ritash, a queer counsellor and member of Sarvatrika Arogya Andolana Karnataka (SAA-K), said the exclusion of onion/garlic and eggs is unacceptable. “We urge that these meals be independently verified by nutrition experts to ensure they meet the specific medical needs of recovering individuals, not just contractual obligations,” she said.

Assured food quality

Clarifying, the Health Minister said that the diet plan has been designed scientifically in consultation with nutritionists, dietitians and doctors. “We are assured that the food is prepared hygienically and that patients are getting quality food,” he said.

“Pregnant women, new mothers, and children particularly need special nutrition for immunity and proper growth. This programme prioritises their requirements. For example, pregnant women will receive iron- and folic acid-rich meals essential for maternal health. New mothers will be given food that supports lactation and overall wellbeing,” he said.

While the general diet plan comprises 2,200 kg calories including 70 g protein and 340 carbohydrates, a 1,800 kg calories diet with less protein and carbs has been designed for those on therapy for non-communicable diseases. Pregnant and lactating mothers will be served 2,460 kilo calories meals with 69 g protein, he added.