Labour Minister Venkataramanappa on Wednesday said that the state government has written to Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) with regard to the appointment of permanent doctors and nurses.
Addressing a gathering after inaugurating the renovated 100-bed Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital on KRS Road here, the minister said, as per the norms, the government cannot appoint the doctors directly and the appointments are done through the KPSC. “We have written to the KPSC to appoint 150 doctors and 100 nurses, he said.
Explaining the cooperation of the Union government to run the ESIC hospitals efficiently, the minister urged MP Pratap Simha to take measures in this regard. Venkataramanappa said, the state government has taken up several projects like Housing scheme, scholarship for children of employees and others for the welfare of labourers. The houses for employees will be constructed in Mysuru, Peenya, Kengeri, Bidadi, and Hubballi and the government has allocated required funds, Venkataramanappa said.
In his address, Pratap Simha said, the Union government has constructed the building and the state government should ensure required facilities. The hospital needs equipment worth Rs 13.23 crore.
Simha explained that as lakhs of employees from six districts in Mysuru region are dependent on the ESIC hospital in Mysuru, the state government must ensure adequate staff. Out of 200 posts sanctioned, nearly 100 are vacant.
The hospital can serve the people better if there is a perfect coordination between the Union and state government, he said.
MLA Tanveer Sait said that a majority of the ESI hospitals have turned as referral hospitals. The employees, who visit the hospitals, are being referred to multi-specialty hospitals. The private hospitals in the state are claiming reimbursement of Rs 50 crore per annum.
The MLA said, the ESI hospital must not be limited to offering treatment only to the factory employees, but should also extend service to all the working class. Sait asked the authorities concerned to consider if it is possible to take over the hospital which is meant for beedi workers.
MP R Dhruvanarayan urged the state government to provide the necessary facilities at the hospitals developed by the Union government. He said, due to the delay in providing facilities, many institutions are not functioning even though the buildings are ready. A diagnostic laboratory in Nanjangud, that was constructed a year ago, is yet to be opened as there are no medical professionals and facilities, he said. MLAs Ashvin Kumar, L Nagendra, Zilla Panchayat President Nayeema Sultana, Labour Commissioner S Palaiah and others were present.
