Section 29 in Tamil Nadu Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Rules, 2017
29. Nutrition and Medical care.
(1)The following nutrition and diet scale shall be followed by the child care institution, namely.-(i)the children shall be provided three meals in a day. Snacks may be provided in the evening;(ii)the menu chart shall be prepared to ensure a balanced diet and variety in taste to maintain minimum nutritional standards and diet scale and this shall be displayed prominently;(iii)children may be provided special meals on holidays and festivals;(iv)infants and sick children shall be provided special diet according to the advice of the doctor on their dietary requirement;(v)while an institution may encourage sponsorship of meals that has been planned in advanced without compromising on the diet structure as determined by an expert, any such institution shall not receive leftover food items or bringing in food from outside without ensuring the quality of the same;(vi)every institution shall have its own cooking facility and in-house cooks and staff to manage the kitchen and dining facilities.(2)Every child care institution shall,-(i)maintain a medical record of each child on the basis of half-yearly medical check-up and provide necessary medical facilities;(ii)ensure that the medical record includes weight and height record, any sickness and treatment and other physical or mental problems;(iii)arrange a doctor on call during times of emergency;(iv)training shall be imparted to all staff in handling the first aid;(v)make necessary arrangements for the immunisation of children;(vi)take preventive measures in the event of outbreak of contagious or infectious diseases;(vii)not carry out any surgical treatment or hospitalisation on any child without the previous consent of the parent or guardian. Unless the parent or guardian cannot be contacted and the condition of the child is such that any delay would in the opinion of the medical officer, involve unnecessary suffering or injury to the health of the child the Officer-in-charge or the Superintendent shall take a final decision in the matter. Thereafter, the Child Welfare Committee and the District Child Protection Officer shall be informed;(viii)provide or arrange for counselling of children and ensure specific mental health interventions for those in need of such services;(ix)refer children who require specialised drug de-addiction and rehabilitation programme to an appropriate centre and necessary treatment shall be given.
