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Bhopal ESIC Hospital Faces Service Gaps Protest
21 Jun
Summary
- Protesters highlight ESIC hospital operating below capacity.
- Key diagnostic equipment like sonography machine is non-functional.
- Hospital officials promise improvements within two months.
A protest occurred Saturday outside the ESIC hospital in Sonagiri, Bhopal, where beneficiaries and union representatives voiced concerns about service and equipment shortcomings. The hospital, which has a sanctioned capacity of 100 beds, is reportedly functioning at approximately 50 percent occupancy.
Allegations include a non-functional sonography machine and restricted referrals to other facilities since the hospital came under union government control in June 2024. Around four lakh people in Bhopal are covered by ESIC, and patients are experiencing delays and disruptions.
ESIC Sonagiri Medical Superintendent Dr. Sanjay Mathuriya addressed the protesters, stating that outstanding issues are expected to be resolved within two months. He noted an increase in outpatient numbers and about 200 in-house surgical procedures monthly. Planned improvements include increased bed capacity, enhanced surgical care, gynecology, NICU, and general medical services.
Long-serving staff are seeking absorption as the hospital transitioned to ESIC control in 2023 after a union government takeover. Some doctors repatriated to the state government in June 2024 are appealing for formal absorption into ESIC.
