The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has taken a bold step in promoting healthy eating habits among its staff and students. In a recent communication sent on Feb 8, 2023, to the chairman of the Cafeteria Management Committee, AIIMS has directed the inclusion of nutritious food options in its cafeteria and hostel mess.
AIIMS Director M Srinivas noted that the existing menu in the institute’s cafeteria and hostel mess was limited and consisted mainly of unhealthy food items like samosas, kachoris, and bread pakoras.
The institute has decided to add a range of healthy options to its food menu, including boiled eggs, milk, sprouts, boiled chana, fruit salad, veg salad, and fresh uncut fruits and juices. Additionally, microwavable ready-to-eat meals like upma and poha will also be available, with rates fixed accordingly.
The new food menu will be implemented within seven days from the issuance of the letter and will be available in all cafeterias, including the surgical block and MCH block.
Explaining the reason behind taking the decision, the communication issued by the AIIMS read: “The faculty, resident doctors, nursing officers and other staff members working at AIIMS, New Delhi are involved in patient care and require healthy food to build up and maintain their immunity.”
This decision by AIIMS highlights the importance of institutions providing healthy food options to support the health and well-being of its staff and students. It is a step in the right direction towards promoting balanced diets and reducing the consumption of unhealthy, high-fat foods. The move has been widely praised by the health and wellness community, who hope that other institutions will follow in AIIMS’ footsteps.
