Maharashtra Health Officials Face Probe Over Hospital Food

Joint director of health services, Dr. Sunita Golhait, has directed disciplinary action against district civil surgeons, additional civil surgeons, and medical superintendents across Maharashtra. This action, stemming from alleged negligence in monitoring hospital diet services, was initiated on April 17, 2026. The move follows multiple administrative lapses identified in the oversight of food provided to thousands of indoor patients.

Officials found that mandated diet service monitoring committees were often not established or failed to function as required. These committees are responsible for monthly inspections and sending raw material and food samples for quality testing. Payments to private contractors, who were allotted contracts in October 2022 for a three-year period, were reportedly released without proper verification and laboratory reports.