Srinagar, Aug 10 (KNS): Canteens operating within the premises of the Government Children’s Hospital in Srinagar are under scrutiny for unhygienic practices and alleged exploitation of attendants and patients through overpriced food items.
Despite being a critical healthcare facility catering to thousands of pediatric patients from across the Kashmir Valley, the hospital’s food infrastructure fails to meet basic standards of cleanliness and affordability.
Visitors and attendants report disturbing scenes of poor sanitation, unregulated pricing, and a lack of oversight.
A ground-level inspection by KNS special Correspondent revealed open food stalls adjacent to overflowing drains, visibly dirty utensils, uncovered food items, and a pervasive presence of flies and foul odors.
These canteens operate without adherence to basic food safety protocols.
“It’s unfortunate that the hospital has two canteens, yet both operate in extremely unhygienic conditions and sell food at inflated prices. We are left with no option but to consume whatever is available,” said a group of attendants.
One of the attendants further added, “When I raised concerns with the canteen staff about the unhygienic practices and high prices, they responded rudely and behaved in a disrespectful manner.”
“Hospital canteens should be run with the same seriousness as the wards themselves,” said Bilal Lone, whose nephew has been admitted for the past two weeks. “We are forced to accept whatever is served, no matter how unclean or overpriced, because we don’t have a choice.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel”
“We have no option but to eat here,” said Shabir Ahmad, an attendant from Baramulla. “Food is prepared in the open, and the conditions are filthy. But stepping outside to find something clean is impossible when you’re caring for a sick child.”
Visual documentation by visitors shows unclean kitchen areas, waste dumped near cooking spots, and a lack of personal hygiene among food handlers.
Adding to the distress, attendants and visitors allege that food items are being sold at exorbitant prices.
“No rate list is displayed, and the prices keep changing depending on who’s buying,” said Rukhsana Begum, whose child is undergoing treatment in the pediatric ward. “We are not asking for luxury food, just clean and affordable meals.”
Several people also claimed that home-cooked food is often restricted in the wards, indirectly compelling attendants to rely on canteens despite their conditions.
Hospital staff, speaking on the condition of anonymity, confirmed that concerns have been raised internally about the canteen operations on multiple occasions.
However, no corrective action has been taken so far.
A senior official stated that strict action will be taken against both canteens and a thorough inspection will be carried out to assess hygiene standards and pricing practices.(KNS).