The administration of the National Cancer Institute has decided to restrict a large-scale king coconut donation programme that had been operating for resident cancer patients, citing health, safety and patient privacy concerns.
Hospital authorities said the programme had been conducted daily near the laboratory premises with the participation of large crowds, including numerous outsiders who had entered the hospital without formal authorization.
The decision followed observations made by the Director of the National Cancer Institute and extensive discussions with specialist doctors, department heads and the hospital committee regarding the programme’s impact on patient care services.
Authorities expressed concern over the distribution of king coconut water to critically ill cancer patients with weakened immune systems in a manner that did not meet required health and safety standards. They also noted instances of outsiders entering wards without protective masks or gloves and taking photographs and videos of patients, which were later shared on social media, compromising patient privacy.
According to the hospital administration, these factors created an unsafe environment within the hospital premises and prompted the decision to limit the programme.
However, the institute said it still welcomes donations of king coconuts for patients. It estimated the hospital’s daily requirement at between 100 and 200 king coconuts and stated that donors may continue to contribute by handing over supplies to the main kitchen through the Food Ordering Officer.
