Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network
Mumbai (RBI), Feb 12: Member of Parliament for Dakshina Kannada Capt Brijesh Chowta has urged state labour minister Santosh Lad to establish the 'State ESI Society' as per the central government's guidelines for the improvement of the Employees State Insurance (ESI) hospital in Mangaluru.
In a letter to the minister, MP Chowta emphasised, "The formation of the State ESI Society will not only facilitate rapid improvements in basic infrastructure, procurement of medical equipment, and the effective implementation of plans in ESI hospitals, but will also aid in the recruitment of experienced doctors and skilled staff."
Recently, MP Chowta had met Ashok Kumar Singh, the director general of the National Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in Delhi to discuss the issues related to Mangaluru's ESI hospital.
During the meeting, it was suggested that the state government form a separate society to streamline all activities related to ESI in the state and manage the release of central funds effectively. This society would act as the administrative body for all ESI-related matters and the distribution of central funds, with the chief secretary and the labour secretary of the Karnataka government as its heads.
In light of this, the MP has urged the labour minister to take immediate action for the formation of the 'State ESI Society.'
"The Ministry of Labour and Employment has already submitted a request to the Chief Secretary and Labour Secretary of Karnataka regarding the formation of the 'State ESI Society'. This society will greatly assist in improving the basic facilities at the ESI hospital and provide significant benefits to the workers in the district. Therefore, immediate steps should be taken for its formation, following the Ministry's guidelines," the MP emphasised in his letter.
Chowta's surprise visit to hospital
In the first week of January, MP Captain Brijesh Chowta made a surprise visit to the ESI hospital, revealing the inadequacies in medical services for workers and the poor conditions there.
Despite the hospital having a capacity of 100 beds, only 70 were operational. The hospital needs 28 doctors, but only 5 are currently serving. Workers only have access to general treatment, and there is a severe shortage of specialist doctors, including in obstetrics, paediatrics, orthopaedics, and other areas. Concerned about these issues