Chennai plans Amma Canteen at Omandurar hospital

The Greater Chennai Corporation plans to establish an Amma Canteen at Omandurar Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, saying the facility would provide low-cost food for patients and their attendants. The civic body has sought retrospective government approval for the project, as well as permission to undertake the building, electrical, equipment, raw material and other work needed to begin operations. The proposal follows calls for an affordable food facility at the hospital, including an online petition by civil society members.

The corporation estimates that the canteen would have about 150 beneficiaries a day and generate annual food sales of ₹16.43 lakh. After accounting for those sales, an additional annual expenditure of ₹20.53 lakh would have to be met from Corporation funds. A site near Tower-7, close to the outpatient department entrance, has been identified.

The civic body said an inspection found the existing children’s ward suitable for conversion. The space already has a kitchen, dishwashing and food distribution facilities, dining space, storage for raw materials, handwashing facilities and toilets. Only minor infrastructure improvements are required, according to the corporation.

The estimated first-year expenditure is ₹36.96 lakh. This includes ₹5.52 lakh for building maintenance, ₹6.50 lakh for machinery and utensils, ₹16.80 lakh for raw materials, ₹7.12 lakh in wages and ₹1.02 lakh for petty expenses. Six Women Self-Help Group members would operate the facility and receive ₹325 each per day.

The proposed menu includes idli at ₹1; pongal, sambar rice, lemon rice and curry leaf rice at ₹5 each; and curd rice and two chapatis with dal at ₹3 each. The corporation said the canteen would offer quality food at subsidised rates. The proposal remains subject to the requested government approval and permissions.