Plans are underway to launch a new initiative to provide high-quality, nutritious, and appetizing meals to inpatients at government hospitals.
In a statement, the Ministry of Health and Mass Media announced that a pilot project will kick off at the Maharagama Apeksha Hospital.
The plan was discussed at a recent meeting chaired by Health and Mass Media Minister – Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, with senior ministry officials, hospital administrators, nutritionists, and doctors from the Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians in attendance.
Minister Jayatissa noted that while the government allocates a significant budget each year for hospital food services, there are concerns of whether the system actually delivers, providing wholesome meals for the patients and justifying the funds spent.
He highlighted that patient satisfaction with hospital meals has never been properly assessed and stressed the need to overhaul both the menu and the delivery system.
The pilot project at Maharagama Apeksha Hospital will see each patient receive a customized plate with rice, vegetables, and proteins served separately, instead of the traditional single-plate meal.
Doctors advised that visually appealing and well-arranged meals can help lift patients’ appetites and encourage better nutrition.
The discussion also addressed challenges at Apeksha Hospital, including a staff shortage despite having a modern kitchen capable of preparing meals for up to 2,000 people.
The need for specialized training for kitchen staff in modern food preparation and service techniques was emphasized, along with a proposal to rename the kitchen as the “Food and Beverages Department” to reflect improved standards.
Participants recommended upgrading kitchen facilities by replacing gas stoves with steam-powered equipment and introducing new technology to maintain food quality and safety.
Minister Jayatissa pledged quick action to address these issues, adding that the government hopes to expand the project to all state hospitals nationwide.
Additional Secretaries – Sunil Galagama and Salinda Bandara, Director General of Health Services – Dr. Asela Gunawardena, Director of Apeksha Hospital – Dr. Aruna Jayasekara, President of the Sri Lanka College of Nutrition Physicians – Dr. Thimathi Wickramasekara, as well as several senior doctors and nutritionists were present at the meeting.
