Mangaluru ESI Hospital Handover Delay Sparks Concern Among Workers
The prolonged delay in handing over the ESI Hospital in Mangaluru to the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), which operates under the Union labour ministry, is causing significant concern among workers in the region. This issue has persisted despite repeated communications from the director general of ESIC, highlighting the urgency of the matter.
State Government Forms ESI Society as Prerequisite
Following multiple letters from the ESIC director general, the state government has taken a crucial step by constituting an ESI Society. This formation is an essential prerequisite for ESIC to assume control of the ESI hospitals across the state. However, the process remains incomplete, prompting intervention from local representatives.
Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has actively sought the support of Union labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya to expedite the transfer of the hospital to ESIC. During a meeting with the Union minister, Capt Chowta detailed the various issues and challenges currently faced by the Mangaluru ESI Hospital.
Urgent Need for ESIC Takeover Emphasised
"I emphasised the urgent need for ESIC to take over the 100-bed hospital, which serves approximately 2.5 lakh insured individuals from Dakshina Kannada and surrounding districts, to ensure it is well-equipped to provide services," Capt Chowta stated. He highlighted that the hospital's current state is inadequate to meet the healthcare demands of this large population.
In May last year, a high-level team from ESIC's headquarters in Delhi visited the ESI Hospital located in Shivbagh, Mangaluru, to assess its facilities and identify key issues. During this visit, assurances were given to upgrade the hospital and improve its infrastructure, but progress has been slow.
Local MLA Advocates for Swift Action
Meanwhile, Mangaluru City South MLA D Vedavyas Kamath also met with state labour minister Santosh Lad, urging swift action for the formation of the society. As a result of these efforts, the state government has formed the necessary society, a move that Kamath confirmed as a positive step forward.
Staff Shortages and Service Disruptions Highlighted
Capt Chowta further pointed out during his meeting with the Union minister that due to severe staff shortages, service disruptions are occurring at the hospital. These disruptions hinder access to quality medical facilities for a large number of insured individuals and their families, exacerbating the healthcare crisis in the area.
"I told the minister that if the ESIC takes direct control of the hospital, it would be possible to recruit sufficient staff and bring significant improvements in administrative and medical services," Capt Chowta explained. He stressed that direct ESIC management could lead to better resource allocation and enhanced operational efficiency.
Union Minister Assures Prioritisation
In response to Capt Chowta's request, Union labour minister Mansukh Mandaviya assured that the matter would be prioritised and necessary actions would be taken to address the delays. This assurance provides a glimmer of hope for the timely resolution of the handover process, which is critical for improving healthcare services in the region.
The ongoing delays in transferring the Mangaluru ESI Hospital to ESIC underscore broader challenges in healthcare infrastructure management. With 2.5 lakh insured individuals relying on this facility, expediting the handover is essential to ensure they receive the medical care they deserve. Continued advocacy from local leaders and prompt action from authorities are key to resolving this issue and enhancing public health outcomes in Dakshina Kannada and beyond.
