Patient Care Top Priority in ESI Hospitals: Dr. Vivek Venkatswamy
Hyderabad, January 21:
Labour and Employment Minister Dr. G. Vivek Venkatswamy on Wednesday asserted that patient care and the welfare of Insured Persons (IPs) must remain the highest priority for doctors and staff working in ESI hospitals across the State.
Reviewing the functioning of ESI hospitals at a meeting held in his chamber at the Secretariat, the Minister directed officials to ensure that all IPs and their dependents receive quality medical services, supported by adequate infrastructure and uninterrupted supply of essential medicines.
Issuing a stern warning, Dr. Vivek said negligence or laxity in discharging official duties would not be tolerated and that strict action would be taken against erring staff. He also instructed officials to ensure that the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) receives its due share of funds from the Central Government through the ESIC.
The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary (Labour, Employment, Training and Factories) Dana Kishore, superintendents of ESI hospitals, senior doctors and other officials.
During the review, the Minister approved the procurement of a CT scan facility for the ESI Hospital at Nacharam and sanctioned the establishment of an ICU at the ESI Hospital in R.C. Puram. He directed officials to complete both facilities within two months.
Addressing staff shortages, Dr. Vivek said a proposal for the recruitment of nearly 600 personnel, including doctors and paramedical staff, had already been forwarded to the Medical and Health Services Recruitment Board (MHSRB). He instructed officials to closely monitor and expedite the recruitment process, stressing that filling vacancies was critical to improving service delivery.
The Minister reviewed the functioning of ESI dispensaries and hospitals in detail, including staff strength, operational challenges and service delivery. He reiterated that any negligence in providing services to IPs would invite strict action.
Dr. Vivek directed the Special Chief Secretary to closely monitor all issues and ensure that administrative bottlenecks do not hinder quality healthcare delivery. He emphasised the need for systemic reforms, stating that the work culture in ESI institutions must become more inclusive, responsible and accountable.
The Minister also instructed officials to conduct a site survey for establishing an ESI dispensary at either Mandamarri or R.K. Puram in Mancherial district. Noting the large workforce in the region, he said land could be obtained from SCCL and asked officials to coordinate accordingly.
On the implementation of Central Government schemes, Dr. Vivek directed officials to ensure smooth and uninterrupted execution without causing inconvenience to beneficiaries. He also stressed complete transparency in drug procurement and strict adherence to standard operating procedures.
The Minister heard grievances raised by ESI staff during the meeting and instructed officials to resolve them amicably. He asserted that administrative issues should never become an obstacle to delivering timely and effective healthcare services to patients.
