‘Stop selling unhealthy food in canteens’

New Delhi: The health ministry has issued an order for all centrally-operated hospitals and medical institutes to stop providing unhealthy, high-fat foods in their canteens and instead promote fresh food. The directive was sent in a letter from Director-General of Health Services, Atul Goel, who also demanded hospitals ensure their premises are free from tobacco and alcohol. The 22 nationally-operated hospitals, seven of which are located in the capital, have been asked to swap high-fat and high-sugar foods and drinks, processed packaged foods high in salt and sugar, and fast food for fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy juices, nuts, millets, and whole grains.

The letter discussed the impact of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) on India's population, attributing 63% of all deaths to NCDs, with cardiovascular diseases making up 27% and followed by chronic respiratory ailments (11%), cancers (9%), diabetes (3%), and others (13%). It pointed out that unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption were significant risk factors contributing to such diseases.

The health ministry has been focusing on promoting healthy eating habits in its facilities. Last year, it named the year of millets, introduced millet meals in its canteens, and prohibited fried foods. AIIMS Delhi previously made an effort to enhance its canteen menu to boost the immunity of patients and healthcare professionals.

However, several centrally-operated hospitals were discovered serving processed foods and sugary drinks in their canteens. An inquiry to the health ministry about the recent directive had not been responded to by press time.