Govt hospitals to get linen products made by Tihar inmates

Delhi hospitals will now get bed sheets, pillow covers, doctors’ aprons, dusters, and blankets among other consumables, made by Tihar jail inmates.

Delhi hospitals will now get bed sheets, pillow covers, doctors’ aprons, dusters, and blankets among other consumables, made by Tihar jail inmates.

The Delhi government is now looking at utilising the products at 40 hospitals.

The issue was discussed at a meeting held on Tuesday between Tihar officials and the health department.

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“We have to follow a set protocol. We have initiated the process and taken their rate list. But we will need to ask other manufacturers too,” said a senior Delhi government official, adding that it was a good idea to introduce such items as it will give the inmates encouragement.

Due to the huge patient load at government hospitals in the city, there is an enormous demand for fresh linen consumables and other items.

“There are times when the water supply is hit and the hospitals are not able to procure washed linen in time. Fresh supplies in these times is handy,” said a health department official.

Tihar officials gave a list of all items produced by inmates with their rates.

“We displayed all our products on the day of the meeting and the department has shown a keen interest. They also liked the quality of the product. We need the government’s support in making use of products that we create. Approaching the government is always our first priority when it comes to selling our products,” said a senior official from Tihar.

Other items that the government is keen on purchasing include cookies, jeera, washing powder, bread, soap, garam masala, chat masala, red chilly, and other products.

Tihar convicts produce a range of products under the brand name TJ.

This includes categories such as handloom and textile, bakery, furniture, paintings, apparel, handmade paper products, mustard oil, blankets and spices to even phenyl.