Concerns are mounting over the delay in handing over the ESI Hospital in Mangaluru to the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) under the Union Labour Ministry, with elected representatives pressing for swift action.
Dakshina Kannada MP Capt Brijesh Chowta has sought the intervention of Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to expedite the transfer process. The delay persists despite repeated communications from ESIC’s Director General and the formation of an ESI Society by the state government — a mandatory prerequisite for ESIC to assume control of hospitals in the state.
Hospital serving 2.5 lakh beneficiaries
The 100-bed ESI Hospital at Shivbagh caters to nearly 2.5 lakh insured individuals from Dakshina Kannada and neighbouring districts. During a recent meeting with the Union minister, Capt Chowta highlighted staff shortages and service disruptions affecting insured workers and their families.
He emphasised that a direct ESIC takeover would enable recruitment of adequate medical and administrative staff, ensuring improved infrastructure and uninterrupted healthcare services.
Responding to the request, the Union minister reportedly assured that the matter would be prioritised and necessary steps taken.
Previous inspection and assurances
A high-level team from ESIC headquarters in Delhi had visited the hospital in May last year to assess facilities and operational challenges. Assurances were given regarding infrastructure upgrades and service enhancement.
Meanwhile, Mangaluru City South MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath also met State Labour Minister Santosh Lad, urging prompt formation of the ESI Society. The state government has since constituted the required body, paving the way for the final procedural steps.
With thousands of insured workers depending on the facility, stakeholders stress that expediting the transfer to ESIC is vital to strengthening healthcare delivery in the region.