currently. Moreover, the existence of bed bugs in the forensic ward is also identified to be an ongoing issue. Food Hospital meals are considered an integral component in the management of inpatients, which facilitate recovery and improve patient satisfaction regarding the overall treatment experience. While the nutritional aspects of the patients (e.g., assessing patients) are being managed by the Nutrition Unit, the hospital kitchen takes care of preparing the food. The patients are provided with three meals a day at NIMH and are served tea thrice a day. Special diets are provided to patients with diabetes, those suffering from malnutrition, and for those who are on feeding tubes. While there were complaints about food being too salty and tasteless, the Commission also observed that the food appeared to be watery. It was mentioned by the hospital kitchen that due to issues regarding the Circular under which the spices should be ordered, the kitchen suffers a lack of spices to properly season the food. Furthermore, it was relayed by, the kitchen staff, staff members of different wards, patients, as well as the hospital administration, that the current portion size assigned for the patients was woefully inadequate thereby leaving them hungry. More importantly, the Commission observed that most of the time the food was not provided to the wards at the correct time, which in turn could make the patients restless and agitated. In addition, it was reported that the provisions brought in for patient meals as well as the cooked food are often smuggled outside to be sold by some staff members. It was also revealed that tea specially made for patients is being sold to the staff instead, thereby, compromising the quality and quantity of the food provided to patients. Water and Sanitary Facilities Access to safe drinking water and sanitation, which is considered as an internationally recognized human right is crucial for maintaining proper health of individuals. The drinking water within the hospital is considered clean as it came directly from the tap lines and was treated by the municipal council. However, it was pointed out that NIMH lacked a water storage facility which causes inconveniences, especially during water cuts. Since the hospital provides care for patients with mental illnesses who could easily spoil their clothes and bed sheets, a constant water supply without any disruption is essential. In addition, the Commission noticed that some washrooms lacked buckets, had malfunctioning water outlets, and damaged toilets. The forensic psychiatry unit only had 2 taps for all 89 patients to shower. It was also relayed that most washrooms lacked commodes and only have squatting pans which is a huge inconvenience for patients. Even the commodes that they currently possess appeared to be not functioning. Furthermore, it was relayed that there’s a shortage of diapers for elderly and sanitary napkins for women. The Commission also observed that some drains were clogged thereby facilitating breeding grounds for mosquitoes. 4|Page