Controversial Circular on Food Safety withdrawn by Goa Medical College authorities

Written by Sanchari Chattopadhyay Published On 2024-02-21T13:45:10+05:30 | Updated On 22 Feb 2024 10:47 AM IST

Controversial Circular on Food Safety withdrawn by Goa Medical College authorities

Panjim: In a surprising turn of events, a circular issued by the Super Specialty Block of Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Bambolim, faced swift withdrawal within 24 hours of its release amidst controversy and criticism.

The directive advised staff against consuming items from outside vendors due to the alleged use of water from a sewage treatment plant.

The circular initially intended to highlight potential health risks associated with water from outdoor garden faucets used by vendors and warned against the consumption of food or beverages prepared by these entities. It emphasized the unsuitability of water from such sources for cooking or drinking, raising concerns about possible contamination with bacteria or chemicals.

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However, the abrupt withdrawal followed accusations from the Opposition Congress and netizens, alleging that the circular aimed to benefit private catering contractors associated with a minister. Though the circular has been withdrawn, whether the water is safe to use is not clear.

As per a recent media report by O Heraldo, the controversy gained momentum on social media, prompting authorities to rethink the directive. While the advisory sought to safeguard public health by cautioning against the use of potentially contaminated water, its withdrawal reflects the sensitivity surrounding the issue and the need for transparent communication in healthcare institutions. The incident underscores the challenges in balancing public safety concerns and avoiding undue influence in the management of hospital facilities.

In a note issued on Friday, Dr Uday C Kakodkar, Nodal Officer, Super Speciality Block, said, "All the in-charge of different wards/sections/offices/casualty/pharmacy of super specialty block are hereby informed that local gaddas/shops/canteens/ existing on the street in front of super specialty block and Goa Medical College are utilising water from the outdoor garden faucets which itself as STP/waste water from SSB hospital which is not safe for drinking purposes and for cooking food. So please be careful while visiting and having food from these street vendors as it can have certain bacteria or a mixture of different chemicals, unhygienic to some extent."

The Super Specialty Block is expected to reassess and perhaps refine its approach to ensure that health and hygiene standards are maintained without compromising on transparency and fairness in vendor selection processes. The controversy serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics involved in managing healthcare institutions and the importance of addressing concerns promptly to uphold public trust. But on Saturday, after the note went viral, Dr Kakodkar released another one in which he retracted the earlier one without explaining, reports the Daily.

The second advisory stated, "With reference to the above note, it is to bring to your notice of all the in-charges of different wards, sections, officers, casualty, pharmacy of Super Specialty Block that the said note stands withdrawn with immediate effect.

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Goa Medical CollegeSuper Specialty Blockcircular controversyfood safety

Source : with inputs

Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.