Renovated ESI Headquarters Inaugurated; Punjab to Add Medical College & 100-Bed Hospitals
Chandigarh, April 16
Punjab Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh on Thursday inaugurated the newly renovated headquarters of the Directorate of Health Services (ESI) Punjab at a cost of approximately ₹21 lakh. Following the inauguration, the Minister chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the performance and expansion of ESI services across the state.
Addressing the officers, Dr. Balbir Singh reiterated the government’s commitment to providing quality healthcare and social security to the state’s three crore population, with special focus on 15 lakh Insured Persons (IPs) and their 15 lakh dependents. He highlighted that the ESI network in Punjab now comprises six specialized hospitals and 69 dispensaries, with daycare services made functional in every dispensary.
Director Health Services (ESI), Dr. Anil Goyal, presented impressive performance data, reporting a 14% increase in OPD attendance and a 21% rise in IPD admissions compared to the previous year. He also noted a remarkable 43% surge in laboratory tests and a 22% increase in X-ray services, reflecting improved diagnostic accessibility.
The Health Minister announced several key initiatives, including the installation of Ultrasound machines in four major ESI hospitals and the upcoming deployment of seven handheld X-ray units. To ensure uninterrupted care, all ESI hospitals have been equipped with oxygen backups as per IPHS standards, along with robust power infrastructure including generators and new solar power systems at Jalandhar, Phagwara, and Amritsar.
watch…..Heart Health: A Success Story from Rajindra Hospital
Dr. Balbir Singh further informed that ESI beneficiaries can now avail cashless treatment at 140 hospitals, including 139 private empanelled hospitals and premier government institutions such as Government Medical College, Patiala and Amritsar, and the Punjab Institute of Medical Sciences.
Looking ahead, the Minister revealed ambitious plans including the establishment of a Medical College in Malerkotla, 100-bedded hospitals in Derabassi and Bathinda, and a new Polyclinic at Focal Point, Patiala. He also confirmed that the state is maintaining a stock of 784 essential medicines with a strict 10% quality testing protocol in place.
While acknowledging a current shortage of 86 specialist doctors and 47 staff nurses, Dr. Balbir Singh assured that recruitment is underway and the formation of the “ESI Society” is in progress to improve maintenance and introduce double-shift operations in dispensaries.
On this occasion, the Minister also flagged off 10 vehicles to strengthen field supervision and monitoring by ESI officers.
Dr. Balbir Singh concluded by stating that the renovation of the ESI headquarters has provided staff with a much better working environment, and ESI services are now operating at a good pace with visible improvement in healthcare delivery.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Hitinder Kaur, Director Health & Family Welfare Punjab; Dr. Aditi Salaria, Director Health Services (Family Welfare); Dr. Pankaj Vohra, Regional Director ESI; along with Deputy Directors, Assistant Directors, Program Officers, and other senior officials.
