In a bid to strengthen functioning of ESI (Employees Social Insurance) hospitals, 24 hours emergency services to be provided to the registered labourers and other construction workers in the all ESI hospitals of State. It was disclosed here today by Health and Labour Minister Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu while chairing the review meeting of ESI hospitals.Giving Details here, Health Minister said that acting on the directive of Chief Minister Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh, now Health Department would be provided 24 hours emergency services in all 7 ESI hospitals of State. He also asked the Director Social Insurance Dr. Jaspal Singh Basi to ascertain all vacant posts in the department and initiate the process of filling of class IV to Medical Superintendent posts at the earliest. He said that case would be put up in the cabinet meeting for further approval.He also instructed the officials of ESI to complete the procedure to buy medical equipment and machinery to conduct all necessary tests at one door step before 30 June.
Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu also reviewed the OPD, Lab Tests and Deliveries conducted in ESI hospitals and ordered the Senior Medical Officers to further improve the numbers of OPD, deliveries and lab tests as per set protocol. He said that in order to eradicate Tuber Culosis, we must have to provide all essential tests and treatment services at ESI hospitals so that designated Microscopic Centres would be set up with the Lab Technician to conduct the TB Test.Underscoring reimbursement of medical bills, the Health Minister instructed the officials of health department to expedite the procedure of reimbursement of medical bills of insured workers. He further said that reimbursement of medical bills pertaining to any department would be finalized within stipulated time. He said that no laxity would be tolerated in this regard.He said that to review the progress on the directions issued in this meeting, he will visit the all ESI hospitals of State and stern action would be taken if anybody caught dereliction in his duty. Prominent amongst other present in the meeting include Additional Chief Secretary Health Mr.. Satish Chandra, Mission Director NHM Mr. Amit Kumar, Dr. Jaspal Kaur Director Health Services, Dr. Avneet Kaur Director Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Jagpal Singh Basi Director ESI, Mr Sunil Taneja, Regional Director ESIC, Mr. Balbir Singh, Mohali Industries Association, all medical Superintendents and zonal incharge of ESI Institutions of Punjab.