Lizard in Patient Food Prompts Sambalpur DHH to Issue New Tender
A dead lizard in patient food prompted Sambalpur DHH to fine the contractor, issue a show-cause notice and start a fresh tender for food services.
Sambalpur District Headquarters Hospital has started a fresh tender process to appoint a new agency for patient food services after a dead lizard was found in a breakfast curry served in the General Medicine ward on Thursday. Hospital authorities issued a show-cause notice and a Rs 50,000 fine to the existing contractor, Nirakar Security and Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd., citing poor-quality food and unhygienic preparation conditions. The tender aims to restore food safety and hygiene standards.
What happened at Sambalpur DHH regarding patient food?
The incident occurred on Thursday when a dead lizard was reportedly found in a curry served as part of breakfast to patients in the General Medicine ward. Concern over food safety and hygiene prompted the hospital authorities to act seriously. They issued a show-cause notice to Nirakar Security and Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd., the agency responsible for preparing and supplying food, and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000.
What actions did hospital authorities take after the lizard incident?
Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer Dr. Nilamadhab Satpathy said an inspection was conducted after the authorities were informed about the incident. The inspection reportedly found poor-quality food and unhygienic conditions in the food preparation process. Dr Satpathy added that the agency was warned its contract would be cancelled if such an incident recurred.
What steps are being taken to ensure food safety going forward?
However, the hospital authorities initiated the tender process on Friday to appoint a new agency for food preparation and supply. A new agency is expected to take over the responsibility within a few days. Until then, the hospital has decided to strengthen daily monitoring of food quality.
Food prepared for patients will first be inspected by the district food supply authorities before being served. In addition, the hospital manager will collect daily feedback from patients regarding the quality, cleanliness and hygiene of the food. A report card will be prepared based on the feedback, Dr Satpathy said.
The report was filed by Post News Network and appeared in OrissaPOST’s State, Top Stories section on August 15, 2026 at 10:03 IST. OrissaPOST describes itself as Odisha’s No.1 English Daily.
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What was found in the patient’s food at Sambalpur DHH?
A dead lizard was found in a curry served as part of breakfast in the General Medicine ward.
When did the lizard-in-food incident occur?
The incident occurred on Thursday.
What action did hospital authorities take against the food supplier Nirakar Security and Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd.?
They issued a show-cause notice and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000.
What did the inspection reveal about the food preparation process?
The inspection reportedly found poor-quality food and unhygienic conditions.
What warning was given to the agency responsible for food supply?
The agency was warned its contract would be cancelled if such an incident recurred.
When did the hospital authorities start the tender process for a new food agency?
The hospital authorities initiated the tender process on Friday.
How soon is the new food agency expected to take over?
A new agency is expected to take over the responsibility within a few days.
What measures are being taken to monitor food quality until the new agency is appointed?
Food will be inspected by district food supply authorities before serving, and the hospital manager will collect daily patient feedback to prepare a report card.
Who is the Chief District Medical and Public Health Officer who commented on the inspection?
Dr. Nilamadhab Satpathy.
Where was the report published and when?
The report was filed by Post News Network and appeared in OrissaPOST’s State, Top Stories section on August 15, 2026 at 10:03 IST.
Debraj Meher
District Correspondent, Sambalpur
Debraj Meher reports on Sambalpur district's civic affairs, the Hirakud dam command area, and the region's handloom economy. He has been the Mirror's Sambalpur correspondent since 2021.
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