NEW DELHI: An inquiry has been initiated at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after a cockroach was allegedly found in dal served at the doctors’ hostel mess on Tuesday, triggering concerns over food safety and hygiene standards within the hospital premises.The issue surfaced after a hostel resident shared photographs of the food item and alleged that the matter was reported immediately to mess authorities, but the initial response was “extremely casual”.

“This is not just about taste or hygiene preference anymore — this is a basic food safety concern,” the complainant said, seeking stricter monitoring of kitchen hygiene standards, food handling practices, pest control measures and accountability of mess staff.An RML official confirmed that an enquiry has been initiated into the incident. “Strict action will be taken against those found responsible for not maintaining hygiene standards in the Doctors’ Mess. Hygiene checks have also been initiated across all associated mess facilities and canteens within the hospital premises,” the official said.

The incident has raised concerns among resident doctors regarding food quality and sanitation in institutional mess facilities catering to healthcare workers.