On May 21, 2025, students from the Food, Nutrition and Dietetics Department embarked on an educational visit to the Dietetics Department of Government Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sector 16, Chandigarh. The visit began at 10:00 AM, with students traveling by school transportation, brimming with excitement and curiosity.
Our first stop was the OPD building, where we proceeded to Room No. 206 on the first floor. There, we had the privilege of meeting Ms. Manisha Arora, the Chief Dietitian of GMSH, Sector16. She warmly welcomed us and shared her vast experience in clinical nutrition. She explained how specific diets are tailored for patients based on the diseases they are battling, from diabetes to renal disorders and everything in between. Her role also involves preparing the diet plans for inpatients and overseeing the entire hospital kitchen operation.
Following the interaction, we toured the hospital kitchen. The facility was impressively spacious and meticulously clean, with hygiene protocols followed at every stage. Workers wore aprons and head coverings, ensuring food safety standards were upheld. Meals were prepared according to carefully curated diet charts approved by the dietitian, highlighting the level of coordination and accuracy essential in such a setup.
Next, we were shown the storage area, which was raised off the ground to maintain hygiene and facilitate proper airflow. Both temperature and humidity were carefully regulated to preserve food quality. We also visited the utensil washing area, which doubled as storage area for gas cylinders. Special insulated trolleys, distinct for general and private wards, were used to transport meals across the hospital efficiently.
To truly experience the result of all this planning, we were served the general patient meal. It was simple, nutritious, and surprisingly home-like in taste—a testament to the care and attention that goes into hospital food at GMSH, Sector16.
Our final stop was the administrative block, where we briefly met with the head of administration. After this enlightening experience, we returned to school, enriched with knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the critical role dietetics plays in healthcare.
