Chennai: The corporation-run, low-cost canteen at the Rajiv Gandhi Gove­rnment General Hospital (RGGGH) is nearing completion and could start functioning in a month.  All the kitchen equipment and utensils have been procured and trials have been conducted.

“We plan to make 10,000 idlis in the morning and 5,000 portions of sambar rice, unlike other canteens, where 2,000 idlis are sufficient,” said a senior official. The equipment was obtained at an approximate cost of Rs 20 lakh. “Boi­lers, dishwashers and RO plants have been purchased and kept ready for use. Additional idlis will also be cooked to serve those attending the pat­ients,” the official added.

Sources say that chapattis would also be introduced on the menu. The canteen will be the largest of its kind and will be disabled-friendly to enable ea­sy access for patients from the hospital.

“It is unsafe to buy food from the eateries outside for  patients as the hygiene factor poses a problem,” said Lakshmi, who is visiting her relative, admitted at the RGGGH.

“But if the corporation canteen comes up many patients would be benefited with quality and low-cost food,” she added.