Daijiworld Media Network – Thane

Thane, Sep 5: The canteen operated by Ram Caterers at the civic-run Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa has been shut after a cockroach was allegedly found in food served to a patient.

Following the incident, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspected the canteen kitchen and collected food samples for examination. The facility will remain closed for two to three days, hospital dean Dr Swapnali Kadam said.

The hospital administration has made temporary arrangements to ensure patients continue to receive meals without interruption. Food is being sourced from another location until the canteen is cleared to resume operations.

The action followed an incident on August 28, when a cockroach was reportedly found in a patient's meal. The Konkan Environment and Public Welfare Society subsequently raised the issue and staged a protest at the dean's chamber, seeking action against those responsible.

Activist Swapnil Mahindrakar, who raised the issue, said the authorities should take stricter action against the contractor.

“Merely shutting the canteen is not enough. The contractor should be blacklisted and should not be awarded any work by the Thane Municipal Corporation. A contractor who plays with the health of patients must be permanently barred from undertaking civic work,” he said.

Dr Kadam said the canteen would be reopened only after the FDA submits its report and the required clearance is obtained.

“The FDA has collected the necessary samples, and the canteen will remain closed for the next two to three days. The hospital administration immediately stepped in and made arrangements for providing meals to patients on a temporary basis. We have ensured that patients continue to receive their meals on time,” she said.

The FDA inspection reportedly found violations of food safety norms, following which operations at the canteen were suspended pending further examination.