New Delhi: Lady Hardinge Medical College (LHMC) on April 21 became the first central government hospital in the country to place a Rs 33 lakh order for Khadi products, after the Centre made it mandatory for 23 of its hospitals to purchase Khadi products only.

The order, placed to Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), includes floor dusters, curtains, Operation Theatre kurtas for both doctors and patients and dead body sheets, among others.

Confirming the purchase order by LHMC, KVIC Chairperson V.K. Saxena told, that other hospitals have also approached KVIC for the Khadi products, however, samples were being finalised by them which was taking time.

“Yes, the purchase order by LHMC is just the beginning. After the government’s directive, hospitals are approaching KVIC for the samples and we are expecting the orders soon,” Saxena told.

The order for khadi products have been placed for LHMC and it’s hospital Suchita Kriplani Hospital, who have sought the delivery of the products by May 18, 2017.

Stating that before LHMC, Safdarjung Hospital also had placed a purchase order of Khadi products worth Rs 2 lakh, Saxena said: “It is the first bulk order for us from any government hospital, after the small one from Safdarjang Hospital. It will now pave way for others to follow. And, since our products were found at par, orders now have started floating.”

Saxena also said that they were expecting an order of over Rs 150 crore by the end of 2017.

The 45 Khadi products, approved by the Health Ministry, include bed sheets, abdomen sheets, dressing towels, surgeon gowns, surgical patient gowns, kurta pajamas, doctor’s coats, soaps, hand sanitisers to Khadi phenyl and herbal shampoo.

The government has made use of Khadi in various departments including Indian Railways, to revive Khadi and village industries in India.

Source: India.com