The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bhubaneswar, has introduced millets in the diet of its students and admitted patients here.

Executive director, AIIMS, Dr Ashutosh Biswas, said: “We are really enthusiastic to introduce millets in the diet of our students and patients. We believe that it will provide the patients with the essential fibres they need to recover quickly. We are committed to provide the best care to our patients and this is one of the many steps we are taking in that direction.”

Similarly, students will get rich nutrients and minerals from the ancient locally available food, which will take care of their weight and immunity, added Dr Biswas.

The executive director had lunch with the students in the dining hall.

“The students and the admitted patients were very happy having millets as a part of their dietary plan,” the AIIMS said in a press release.

Medical superintendent Dr Dillip Kumar Parida said: “We introduced the millet on Utakal Divas, on April 1, the state’s foundation day.”

To create awareness about the health benefits of millet and spread the message to the public, a meeting was organised. A handbook on Millet “Millets on Health Benefits and Diseases” written by Dr Biswas and head of the dentistry department Dr Ashok Kumar Jena was distributed to the public.

Dietician of AIIMS Soumya Sucharita Prusty discussed the importance of millet in our day-to-day diet.

Among others, Dean (Academic) Dr P.R. Mohapatra, Dean (Exam) Dr Soubhagya Jena, Dean (Research) Dr Satyajit Mishra, and student representatives participated in the programme.

“The introduction of millets in the diet of patients and students at AIIMS Bhubaneswar is a significant step towards raising awareness about the health benefits of millets.

“The initiative is expected to inspire people to include millet in their daily diet and promote the consumption of traditional foods that are both healthy and delicious,” the press release said.