ESIC protest over stalled services, equipment failures at Sonagiri hospital
Bhopal: Protesters gathered outside the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital in Sonagiri on Saturday to highlight gaps in services and equipment at the hospital.The protesters, mostly local ESIC beneficiaries and union representatives, said the hospital is operating well below its
By The Times of India
Bhopal: Protesters gathered outside the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital in Sonagiri on Saturday to highlight gaps in services and equipment at the hospital.The protesters, mostly local ESIC beneficiaries and union representatives, said the hospital is operating well below its sanctioned capacity of 100 beds and currently functions at about 50 percent occupancy.
They alleged that key diagnostic equipment such as the sonography machine is non-functional and that the hospital has also limited referrals elsewhere since the facility came under union government control in June 2024.“About four lakh people in Bhopal are covered under ESIC,” said protester Deepak Gupta, adding that patients were facing delays and disruptions as referrals to select facilities have been curtailed.
No injuries or arrests were reported and the demonstration remained peaceful.ESIC Sonagiri medical superintendent Dr Sanjay Mathuriya, told the crowd that most outstanding issues would be addressed within two months.
He said outpatient numbers have risen and in-house surgical procedures now number about 200 per month.Dr Mathuriya acknowledged shortcomings but said improvements are planned, including increases in sanctioned strength, inpatient services and enhancements to surgical, gynecology, NICU and general medical care.
He urged beneficiaries to give the administration time to complete the ongoing reorganisation.The protest underscored local concern over continuity of care during the transition from the state labour department to ESIC oversight.
Hospital officials said they would continue outreach and periodic updates as upgrades proceed.***Long-serving staff seek absorption as hospital shifts to ESIC controlThe hospital, which began functioning in the 1990s with 15–25 doctors under the Madhya Pradesh labour department and managed about 75–100 in-patient beds, was brought under ESIC control in 2023 after a union government takeover.
In June 15, 15 doctors were repatriated to the state government.
The affected doctors say they were on deemed deputation and should be formally absorbed into ESIC, they have appealed to the Central Administrative Tribunal and got an interim stay in the matter.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhopal | Silver Rate in Bhopal | Bank Holidays in Bhopal | Public Holidays in Bhopal | Petrol Price in Bhopal | Diesel Price in Bhopal | CNG Price in Bhopal | LPG Price in BhopalStay updated with the latest Bhopal news.
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