By Tajdar H. Zaidi
Lucknow: In a significant step to streamline and enhance its free food distribution system, King George’s Medical University (KGMU) has launched a new policy to ensure better coordination, quality control, and sustainable practices. The initiative is set to benefit hundreds of attendants caring for their family members or dependents undergoing treatment at the institution.
The revised policy mandates that all social service organizations providing free meals collaborate directly with the KGMU kitchen. This measure ensures that food distribution aligns with university guidelines and maintains consistency in quality and hygiene. Under the new system, organizations must deliver the food to the KGMU kitchen, where it will be inspected for quality and quantity before being packaged for distribution.
Instead of allowing social workers to distribute food packets randomly across the campus, KGMU will designate specific areas for food collection. Tables will be set up in these zones, enabling attendants to collect and consume meals in an organized manner. This approach aims to reduce chaos and ensure a more efficient distribution process.
Dr. K.K. Singh, the spokesperson for KGMU, emphasized the importance of compliance with the new guidelines. “Any organization wishing to distribute food on campus must first contact the Head of the Department of University Environment, KGMU. They need to provide detailed information, including the date and time of distribution, a complete list of food items, and the number of food packets they intend to distribute. Approval from the HoD is mandatory,” he stated.
The administration has also laid down strict rules regarding the packaging of food. Only biodegradable materials are permitted, in line with the university’s commitment to environmental sustainability. Furthermore, the responsibility for waste management lies with the distributing organizations. They must ensure that any waste generated during food distribution is promptly and thoroughly cleaned from the designated areas before leaving the premises.
Dr. Singh added that the new policy aims to uphold high standards of hygiene and sustainability. “We are committed to providing safe, nutritious meals while maintaining cleanliness and order on campus,” he said.
The new regulations have been formally issued as a hospital-wide directive, applicable to all departments and buildings within the university. KGMU authorities believe that this structured approach will improve the overall experience for patients’ attendants and foster greater collaboration between the hospital and social organizations.
By implementing these measures, KGMU underscores its commitment to enhancing the welfare of attendants while ensuring a cleaner, more organized hospital environment.