Hyderabad: Labour and Employment Minister Dr G Vivek Venkatswamy on Wednesday directed officials to ensure that patient care and the welfare of Insured Persons remained the top priority in ESI hospitals across the State.
Addressing a review meeting at the Secretariat, the Minister asked doctors and staff to provide quality medical care to all Insured Persons and their dependents. He stressed that hospitals must remain fully equipped with essential infrastructure and adequate medicines.
At the same time, Dr Vivek issued a stern warning against negligence. He said the government would initiate strict action against any staff found lax in discharging official duties. Moreover, he directed officials to secure ESIS’s rightful share of Central funds through the ESIC.
The meeting was attended by Special Chief Secretary (LETF) Dana Kishore, superintendents of ESI hospitals, senior doctors and other officials. During the discussion, the Minister reviewed hospital performance, staff strength and operational challenges.
Infrastructure upgrades and staffing for ESI hospitals reviewed
To strengthen facilities, Dr Vivek approved the procurement of a CT scan unit for the ESI Hospital at Nacharam. In addition, he cleared the establishment of an ICU at the ESI Hospital in R.C. Puram. He instructed officials to complete both works within two months.
Turning to manpower shortages, the Minister said officials had already forwarded a proposal to recruit around 600 staff to the MHSRRB. This included doctors and paramedical personnel. Therefore, he asked officials to closely monitor the recruitment process and treat staffing gaps as a priority issue.
The Minister also reviewed the functioning of ESI dispensaries and hospitals in detail. He reiterated that the government would not tolerate negligence in providing services to Insured Persons under any circumstances.
Accordingly, Dr Vivek directed the Special Chief Secretary to closely monitor all pending issues. He said administrative hurdles must never affect the delivery of healthcare services. Furthermore, he called for systemic reforms to build a more inclusive, responsible and accountable work culture in ESI.
On expansion plans, the Minister asked officials to conduct a site survey to set up an ESI dispensary at Mandamarri or R.K. Puram in Mancherial district. He noted that SCCL could provide land and stressed the need for coordination, citing the region’s large workforce.
Regarding Central schemes, he instructed officials to ensure smooth implementation without inconvenience to beneficiaries. He also stressed complete transparency in drug procurement and strict adherence to standard operating procedures.
During the meeting, the Minister heard grievances raised by ESI staff. He directed officials to resolve them amicably, asserting that administrative issues must never obstruct timely and effective patient care.
