Protesters Demand Better Services at ESIC Sonagiri Hospital
On Saturday, a peaceful protest took place outside the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital in Sonagiri, Bhopal, with local ESIC beneficiaries and union representatives demanding improvements in services and equipment. The demonstrators claimed that the hospital is operating at only about 50 percent of its sanctioned capacity of 100 beds, leading to inadequate patient care.
Key diagnostic equipment, including the sonography machine, is reportedly non-functional, forcing patients to seek alternatives. Additionally, since the hospital came under union government control in June 2024, referrals to other facilities have been limited, causing delays and disruptions for the approximately 400,000 ESIC beneficiaries in Bhopal.
Officials Acknowledge Issues, Promise Upgrades
Dr. Sanjay Mathuriya, Medical Superintendent of ESIC Sonagiri, addressed the crowd and acknowledged the shortcomings. He stated that outpatient numbers have increased and in-house surgical procedures now average about 200 per month. Dr. Mathuriya assured that most outstanding issues would be resolved within two months, with plans to increase sanctioned strength, expand inpatient services, and enhance surgical, gynecology, NICU, and general medical care.
According to Dr. Mathuriya, the administration is working on a complete reorganization and urged beneficiaries to give them time. He emphasized that outreach and periodic updates will continue as upgrades proceed.
Transition from State to ESIC Control Raises Concerns
The protest highlighted local anxiety over continuity of care during the transition from the Madhya Pradesh labour department to ESIC oversight. The hospital began operations in the 1990s with 15–25 doctors and about 75–100 inpatient beds under state control. In 2023, it was brought under ESIC after a union government takeover. On June 15, 15 doctors were repatriated to the state government, leaving those affected—who were on deemed deputation—seeking formal absorption into ESIC.
The affected doctors have appealed to the Central Administrative Tribunal and obtained an interim stay. Dr. Mathuriya noted that improvements are planned, including increases in sanctioned strength and inpatient services, to address the gaps.
No injuries or arrests were reported during the peaceful demonstration.
