The Odisha Chapter of Indian Dietetic Association (IDA) has urged the Health Minister to appoint dieticians in all government hospitals with indoor facility, as per the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) guidelines.
IDA Chapter president Ganesh Choudhury told mediapersons that dietotherapy plays a pivotal role in the treatment of patients along with the medicines. Though one dietician each had been appointed at the three MCHs and the Capital Hospital, they don’t enjoy the promotional benefits like other government staff, he said.
Hospitals provide general patients with rice, dal, curry and a non-vegetarian dish while bread, milk and bananas are supplied to diabetic and Tuberculosis patients. Choudhury said to smoothen the work, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in its guidelines had directed use of colour diet slips for various types of patients. However, the guidelines are yet to be followed in the government hospitals of the State, he added.