ESIC hosp in Rayagada suspends emergency services over staff shortage

Koraput: The ESIC Hospital at J K Pur in Rayagada district has effectively suspended emergency services, citing a severe shortage of doctors, health workers and other staff. Hospital authorities have pasted posters on the premises, appealing to patients not to visit the facility for emergency medical needs.The hospital, established in 1987 and primarily serving the industrial workforce of the region, is on the brink of closure due to long-standing staff shortage. Out of the 67 sanctioned staff positions, only 36 are filled. Only 3 out of 14 doctor posts are occupied, and there is just one staff nurse against eight sanctioned positions. The hospital, which has a 35-bed capacity, now has three functional beds.The crisis has also resulted in the complete shutdown of night emergency services, with critical patients being referred to other hospitals. Absence of even a single ambulance has further exacerbated the situation. Additionally, the lack of a cook has forced the hospital to stop providing meals to admitted patients.Authorities said the situation has been deteriorating for years, with numerous posts lying vacant. Joint director and superintendent of the hospital, Biranchi Narayan Panda, said the matter has been communicated to the state govt.In accordance with ESI regulations, registered cardholders are entitled to full medical treatment.Rayagada, an industrial hub, has around 14,000 ESI cardholders. As per the ESI guidelines, employers contribute 4% and employees contribute 1.25% of their salaries towards the scheme."Patients are facing many problems as they are being only referred to other hospitals without any treatment," said Gagan Bihari Panda, vice-president CITU unit, Rayagada.