HEALTH

Fall in occupancy rate at ESI Hospital
Shivani Bhakoo

Ludhiana, June 21
According to rough estimates, there are over seven lakh industrial workers in the city. In stark contrast to this, the occupancy rate at the local ESI Hospital, meant for industrial workers, is not more than 55 per cent. Lack of funds, inadequate medicines and unsatisfactory diet content in the hospital pushes them to some other charitable hospital.

According to the data available, the occupancy at the ESI Hospital in January 2001 was 46 per cent. In February and March, it was 50 per cent and 48 per cent, respectively. The occupancy was 50 per cent in April and 64 per cent in May.

“The occupancy has never been 100 per cent in the hospital”, reveals Dr S.P. Jagat, Zonal Deputy Director-cum-Medical Superintendent, ESI Hospital. He adds, “In the period between 1995 to 1997, the hospital occupancy was 90 per cent, but in the past five years, it has decreased to an average of 50 per cent”.

The main reason for such low occupancy is the unsatisfactory diet content. The diet, about five years back was rich and nutritious. “They were given bread with two eggs, milk and butter for breakfast. There was proper lunch and dinner with two vegetables. They were given evening tea and fruits, all free of cost. The medicines were easily available to the patients due to their adequate supply”, said the medical superintendent.

Everything was reimbursed on time, added Dr Jagat. But things were different. Due to lack of funds, there was shortage of medicines for the past few years. “But things are changing slowly now. This year the supply of medicines was sufficient”, he said.

The workers are given milk and rusks by an NGO, Free Milk Sewa Society. They are also given dal and roti for lunch and dinner.

The medical superintendent claimed, “Despite the restraints, we are running the hospital in the best possible way. Our occupancy is the maximum as compared to other ESI hospitals in the state”.

Hospital awaits completion certificate
Our Correspondent

Ludhiana, June 21
The 270-bedded new hospital building of ESI, which was completed in 1997, is still waiting to be ‘formally’ handed over to the ESI Corporation. The building, which cost more than Rs 15 crore, is to be handed over by the Punjab State Industrial Export Corporation (PSIEC) to the ESI Corporation.

Dr S.P. Jagat, Zonal Deputy Director-cum-Medical Superintendent, ESI hospital, Ludhiana, while talking to Ludhiana Tribune, said they were not only trying to take over the charge of the building but also trying to persuade PSIEC officials to issue the formal completion certificate to the corporation.

He said earlier in February 2001, ESI officials were not willing to take charge of the building as there were many shortcomings pointed out by doctors which were to be rectified. “But in February, many of them were rectified and since then we have been waiting to get the completion certificate,” said Dr Jagat.

The Regional Director, ESI Corporation, Mr A.W. Khardgi, had visited the city last month and had detailed discussion with the Executive Engineer (Construction) and other officials. Dr Jagat disclosed that, “I had a meeting with Mr D.P.S.Sandhu on June 19 in which Mr Sandhu claimed that there was no communication between the ESI and PSIEC officials.”

Dr Jagat said the meeting of the Regional Board was held today in Chandigarh. “We are hopeful that the subject will be discussed at the meeting and something will come out of it,” said Dr Jagat.

The PSIEC has taken two years’ time to clear all shortcomings pointed out by the doctors. “The commissioning of the hospital, including purchase of the equipment, infrastructure and manpower, will be commissioned after we get the completion certificate,” said Dr Jagat.