Darbhanga/Patna: A shortage of LPG cylinders linked to disruptions in supply amid tensions in the Gulf region has begun affecting services at Darbhanga Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), one of the largest government hospitals in north Bihar.
Officials said the hospital canteen currently has only a limited number of gas cylinders left, raising concerns about the continuation of food services for patients and staff.
Meals for patients at DMCH are prepared by the women’s self-help group network JEEViKA, which operates the hospital’s kitchen. According to canteen officials, around 1,600 to 1,700 patients are served meals daily.
An official at JEEViKA-run canteen, said the kitchen now has only three cylinders left, which may be sufficient for about one day of cooking.
“We have informed the district administration and higher authorities about the situation,” he said. “If the gas supply is not restored, the food provided to patients could be disrupted from Friday.”
He said the kitchen normally consumes three to four cylinders each day to prepare meals for patients.
In response to the shortage, the kitchen has begun adjusting its menu to conserve gas. The JEEViKA official said gas-intensive items such as roti have been temporarily discontinued, and patients are currently being served simpler meals including dal, rice and vegetables.
“Providing food to patients is our priority,” he said. “Even if we have to shut down the staff canteen, we will continue cooking for patients as long as possible.”
Kitchen staff said the situation is unprecedented.
Rekha Devi, a cook working with JEEViKA for several years, said the kitchen had never faced such a shortage before.
“We have only a few cylinders left in stock,” she said. “I am worried about how we will continue cooking for patients if supplies do not arrive soon.”
District officials, however, said efforts were underway to resolve the problem quickly.
Vikas Kumar, the sub-divisional officer (SDO) of Darbhanga, said the administration was arranging additional LPG cylinders for the hospital.
“There will be no disruption in food supply for patients,” Kumar said. “Necessary arrangements are being made, and the situation is expected to return to normal within a day or two.”
The shortage of LPG cylinders has been reported in several parts of the country amid global supply disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. While authorities have urged the public not to panic, restaurants and hotels in some cities have already reported difficulties due to reduced LPG supplies.
