Director surprises ESIC Hospital with visit, promises turnaround in condition
JALANDHAR: The employee’s state insurance corporation (ESIC) hospital had an unusual guest on Saturday in Dr Usha Bansal, health director ESIC.
The security guard who was in civil dress was startled by the arrival of the director as the ESI Hospital in the city seldom sees its doctors coming on time.
The director promised to bring about a change in the condition of the hospital where a normal day is characterised by abuses being hurled by the irked patients and their attendants over the lack of medical facilities at this centre.
The ESIC hospital’s doctors have not conducted surgeries since eternity and almost all the cases are referred to the civil hospital Jalandhar. When Dr Usha Bansal, scolded Dr Sampuran Singh, eye surgeon, over the issue the reply was usual. “There is a shortage of essential medical apparatus needed for conducting surgeries. The anesthetist is not available on time and there is a dearth of trained medical assistants. Provide this and I will start operating,” said Dr Sampuran.
Dr Bansal on the other hand brushed aside all the excuses and told the doctor to start conducting surgeries at the hospital. She said that she will look into the availability of the medical apparatus and will provide the hospital with adequate goods at the earliest if a shortage is reported.
Next in the line of fire was gynecologist Dr Jaspreet Kaur Shekhon. Shekhon also had the same complaints about lack of facilities due to which highrisk pregnancy cases requiring cesarean deliveries were referred to the civil hospital. Meanwhile, medical superintendent ESIC Dr RK Gupta was on his weekly off.
“I have taken a note of the condition of the ESIC Hospital here and will pursue the matter of renovation of the building and will make sure that proper medical care is provided here. It will take some time but I will try my level best to improve this facility,” Dr Bansal said.
With promises having been made all that the patients can do is give Dr Bansal the little time that she has sought.