In a first-of-its-kind initiative undertaken to transform food services in the healthcare sector of India, the Goa Health Ministry has roped in Sodexo, world’s leading food services provider to revamp the kitchen and cafeteria services at Goa Medical College and its constituent Institutes. The first phase of the project kicked off with patient services in the inauguration ceremony officiated by the Goa Health Minister, Hon’ble Shri. Vishwajit Rane this morning, in the presence of doctors, staff, media and community members. The aim is to provide an enjoyable, safe, healthy and nutritious meal experience to patients, physicians, nurses, attendants, and visitors in the campus, which is expected to be completed in a phase wise manner over the next 3-4 months. 

Honourable Health Minister of Goa, Shri Vishwajit Rane said, “Nutrition is directly co-related to the recovery of the patient. The patients at Goa Medical College will now have access to nutritious and hygienic food through this nutritional food services. This is a game changer. We will soon be extending this nutritional dietary facility to the students and doctors as well.” 

Speaking about Sodexo’s association with GMC, Sambit Sahu, Segment Director, Healthcare, Sodexo India said, “It is an honour to be awarded the contract for managing food services at Goa Medical College and be part of Health Minister’s vision to transform Food Nutrition & service delivery to patients, students & staff. Sodexo recognises the importance of good nutrition in patient care and wellness, and is well-equipped for the task.  Given our international exposure, world-wide best practices, well trained staff and capabilities towards therapeutic and hygienic food preparation, Sodexo is making a good beginning at GMC to transform healthcare services in Government Medical Insititions. We plan to transform patient and student experiences with right infrastructure, digital solutions and a great delivery experience.” 

Under the contract, Sodexo will revamp food services at GMC & its constituent institutes with state-of-the art kitchen infrastructure operated by 200+ adequately trained and aware staff on food handling, health and hygiene. The team will manage food preparation and delivery services for GMC, Nursing Institute and GMC student Mess, providing customised solutions to each of the stakeholders. At the front-end, nutritionists will work in close conjunction with concerned GMC departments to provide nutritious and tasty menu options. At the back-end, Sodexo in a phased manner will continue to implement hi-tech commercial kitchen equipments that complies with NABH & ISO 22000 standards. It includes smart kitchen concept with combi-ovens and induction equipments that provide smokeless cooking, reduces human fatigue and maintain consistency and quality in food. Overall, the kitchens will incorporate hygienic and safe methods of food preparation and will undergo regular quality checks. Elevating the food experience for guests and visitors the cafeteria is envisioned to be digitally-enabled with payment structure completely streamlined to cashless POS, prepaid cafeteria cards and self-service kiosks.

As a leading healthcare service provider, Sodexo has already proved its credibility in the sector by providing world-class Food & Facility management solutions to over 46 healthcare organizations across India. Its dedicated healthcare division offers food services, facilities management, housekeeping, laundry services and clinical technology services, catering to the diverse needs of healthcare institutions in India and globally.