Optimum nutrition is the basis for good health during all stages of growth and is vital for prevention, recovery from trauma, surgery, etc. and maintenance of many chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart diseases, etc.

A well balanced diet has a positive outcome for infant, child, maternal health and builds a stronger immune response against many infectious diseases, promotes healthy
aging and reduces risks of non-communicable diseases.

The Dietary department of Nazareth hospital started in the year 1970 with the aim of catering nutritious food for hospitalized patients. The department is categorized into
services such as Clinical and Food Service for the patients.

• A clinical service involves nutritional care of patients with both IPD and OPD (nutritional screening /diet counseling) by certified Dietitians of the Hospital.

• Nutrition Assessment for antenatal and post-natal patients to elicit risks of malnutrition or other nutrient related imbalances and provide appropriate interventions.

• Other services include offering short and long term nutrition Internship Training programmes for post-graduates students of nutrition as an integral approach for professional training.

• The primary objective of the dietary department is to provide nutritious palatable meals for both therapeutic and a wide range of different diet packages as per patient’s disease condition and specific requirements which are planned by dietitians after assessment of patient’s nutritional status.

• The objective is to plan and supervise wholesome healthy foods by maintaining high standards of hygiene and sanitation as per food safety guidelines which will include all the food handlers involved in the preparation and service of food.

• One of the objectives while planning disease specific meals with specified nutrients as calories is to demonstrate to the patients on the incorporation of a balanced modified diet as per the needs and requirements of the patient which may need to be followed up post hospital discharge.