Menus are prepared by dietitians and food service assistants in accordance with the hospital dietary manual and the Ministry of Health (MOH) Dietetics and Food Service guidelines.
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang State Health Department (JKNPP) has clarified that the food shown in a viral photograph depicting provisions for medical officers on call at Bukit Mertajam Hospital (HBM) was an afternoon tea snack and not their main meal.
Penang State Health Director Dr Zulhizzam Abdullah said the snack was one of four meals provided to officers on duty throughout the day, namely breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, according to the menu plan prepared by HBM’s Dietetics and Food Service Department.
“Menus are prepared by dietitians and food service assistants in accordance with the hospital dietary manual and the Ministry of Health (MOH) Dietetics and Food Service guidelines. Four meals are provided daily, namely breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner, with an estimated total daily energy intake of between 1,500 and 1,800 kilocalories (kcal).
“JKNPP and HBM appreciate the public’s concern and feedback regarding the food provided to medical officers on call,” he said in a statement.
Dr Zulhizzam said the viral photo of the food might have created a different impression when viewed without the context of the food provided throughout the day.
He said JKNPP and HBM would continue to explore areas for improvement to ensure food provision was carried out properly and the welfare of officers on duty remained a priority in accordance with the circular currently in force.
Earlier, a photo circulated on social media showing biscuits in a plastic container, purportedly provided to medical officers on call at HBM.
The photo drew criticism from netizens, with many describing the meal as inadequate for medical officers working long shifts and urging the MOH to improve the quality of food provided.