India, April 29 -- In a move to ensure the well-being of attendants of patients admitted to the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Greater Noida, an affordable meal scheme "Dhanvantari Annapurna Kendra" was launched on Monday.

The new centre will provide affordable, nutritious, hygienic, meals to the attendants of hospitalized patients for only Rs.10, with free meals available for those who cannot afford it. The Annapurna Kendra will operate at the hospital daily, starting from 11 AM, officials said.

Officials at GIMS said that until now, the facility provided meals only for the patients, leaving their attendants to fend for themselves. Most attendants had to rely on external food sources, which were often unsafe and unh...