The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is planning to set up an Amma Canteen at the Omandurar Government Multi Super Speciality Hospital, with an estimated additional annual expenditure of ₹20.53 lakh, after accounting for projected food sales.

Recently The Hindu had reported on the need for low cost food at the hospital.

An online petition was also launched by some members of civil society appealing to the Chief Minister to establish an Amma Canteen at the hospital.

The civic body has now said the facility would provide quality, low-cost food to patients and their attendants.

The GCC has sought retrospective government approval to establish the Amma Canteen and permission to undertake the building, electrical, equipment, raw material and other works required to commence operations.

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

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

The facility is expected to involve a first-year expenditure of ₹36.96 lakh, including ₹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 .The six workers will be paid ₹325 a day each.

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.