Patients to benefit as ESIC hospital set to expand OPD

The out-patient department (OPD) at the ESIC Model Hospital, Ludhiana, will be expanded as state dispensaries number 1 and 4 running on the hospital premises will soon be shifted.

Director general (DG), Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), AK Agarwal made this announcement during his maiden visit to the only model ESIC hospital in the state on Saturday.

Agarwal visited various sections of the hospital and looked at the working and problems of the hospital. He also visited the state dispensaries running on the hospital premises.

Talking to HT, Agarwal said, “The orders to relocate both state dispensaries at some other place have been issued and this space can be utilised as OPD for the ESIC Model Hospital, which has to deal with a number of patients on daily basis.”

On being asked about staff shortage at the hospital, Agarwal said, “Till we do not get permanent staff, the corporation has decided to fill the posts on temporary basis like hiring staff on contractual basis so that patients coming to the hospital do not suffer.”

It has been learnt that because of staff shortage many equipment like ultrasound machine are not being utilised by the hospital and patients are referred to some other places.

On delay in issuing of smart cards to insured persons, Agarwal said the process would be fastened. “For the time being, beneficiaries have been provided with temporary cards on which they can avail medical facilities,” he added.

He appealed to the workers that they should come forward with their families whenever any camp was organised in any factory.

Agarwal also assured ICU and blood bank facilities at the hospital soon.

Apart from meeting officials from Chandigarh, he met insured persons and listened to their problems and demands.

Badish Jindal, member, budget and finance committee of ESIC, and Dr PL Chaudhary, medical superintendent of ESIC Model Hospital, Ludhiana, were also present.