Chennai Corporation Plans Subsidised Amma Canteen at Omandurar Hospital

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is moving to set up an Amma Canteen on the premises of the Omandurar Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, aiming to offer affordable meals to patients and their attendants.

The proposal follows concerns raised over the need for low-cost food at the hospital, including an online petition by civil society members urging the Chief Minister to establish such an outlet there.

The civic body has sought retrospective government approval for the canteen and permission to carry out the building, electrical, equipment, raw material and related works needed to begin operations.

A site near Tower-7, close to the outpatient department entrance, has been identified. The existing children's ward was inspected and found suitable, as it already has a kitchen, dishwashing and food distribution facilities, dining space, raw material storage, handwashing facilities and toilets. Only minor infrastructure improvements are required.

According to the GCC, the first year is expected to cost ₹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 towards wages for six Women Self-Help Group members and ₹1.02 lakh in petty expenses. Each of the six workers will be paid ₹325 a day.

With an estimated 150 beneficiaries a day, annual sales are projected at ₹16.43 lakh. The remaining expenditure of ₹20.53 lakh will have to be met from Corporation funds.

Food will be sold at subsidised rates: 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.