Chennai Corporation to set up Amma Canteen at Omandurar Hospital

With an estimated 150 beneficiaries per day, the annual revenue is estimated at ₹ 16.43 lakh.

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) plans to set up an Amma canteen at Omandurar Government Multi Super Specialty Hospital with an estimated additional annual expenditure of ₹ 20.53 lakh, after taking into account the projected food sales.

The Hindu recently reported on the need for cheap hospital food.

Some civil society members also started an online petition urging the chief minister to set up an Amma canteen in the hospital.

The civic body has now said that the facility will provide quality and cheap food to patients and their attendants.

GCC has sought retrospective approval from the government to set up Amma canteen and permission to carry out civil, electrical, equipment, raw materials and other works required to start operations.

With an estimated 150 beneficiaries per day, the annual revenue is estimated at ₹ 16.43 lakh. According to the civic body, the balance expenditure of ₹ 20.53 lakh will have to be met from the company’s funds.

According to the GCC, a site was identified near Tower-7, near the entrance to the dispensary. The existing children’s department was subsequently inspected and found to be satisfactory. It has a kitchen, a dishwasher and food delivery facilities, a dining room, a raw material store, hand washing facilities and toilets. According to GCC, only minor infrastructure improvements are required.

The facility is expected to incur expenses of $36.96 million in the first year, including $5.52 million for building maintenance, $6.50 million for machinery and equipment, $16.80 million for raw materials, $7.12 million for wages. each paid ₹325 per day.

Food will be sold at subsidized prices: 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.

Published – 27 Sep 2026 23:04 IST