ESI Hospital in Rayagada’s JK Pur Crumbling Under Staff Shortages & Neglect: Over 40,000 Dependents Left in the Lurch
Rayagada, Odisha:
In a district known for its tribal concentration and burgeoning industrial base, the Employee State Insurance (ESI) Hospital at JK Pur, Rayagada, is reeling under chronic staff shortages and crumbling infrastructure, raising serious concerns about the state’s commitment to industrial workers’ welfare.
Despite the existence of 11 small, medium, and large-scale industries in the district and the long-standing implementation of the ESI scheme since 1960, employees and their families are struggling to access even basic health care. According to reports, although company authorities issue ESI cards and deduct 1.25% to 2.5% from employees’ salaries—along with a 4% employer contribution—the ground reality is grim.
There are over 14,000 ESI card holders in the district, and counting their dependents, more than 40,000 people are eligible for free treatment under the scheme at the JK Pur ESI Hospital. However, due to severe staffing and equipment shortages, patients are facing grossly inadequate services.
🚨 Shortages & Systemic Gaps
Out of the 67 sanctioned staff positions, only 31 are currently filled. This includes a dire shortfall in medical personnel—with only 4 medical officers appointed against 14 approved posts. The single nursing officer post remains vacant, while only 7 staff nurses, 1 lab technician, and 1 ANM are available to manage over 200 patients daily. This includes elderly patients and emergency cases.
The hospital has a 25-bed capacity, but only 3 beds are functional. With no available anesthesiologists or technical staff, the operation theatre remains shut. Basic services like ambulance transportation have ceased entirely after the hospital’s sole ambulance was auctioned off following an accident in 2021—and never replaced.
Even more disturbing is that the hospital authorities themselves have appealed to patients not to put up posters complaining about services—a move that has shocked the public and reflects the level of public frustration.
🏥 Responsibilities vs. Reality
As per ESIS guidelines, JK Pur Hospital is supposed to offer:
Primary and secondary medical care (OPD, IPD, surgery)
Emergency services and diagnostics
Social security benefits under the ESI Act
Grievance redressal through dedicated forums
Drug procurement and quality monitoring
Administration of referrals and reimbursements
Infrastructure upgrades including ICU facilities
However, none of these functions are being delivered effectively, resulting in widespread dissatisfaction.
🧾 Official Response & Political Reaction
The Medical Superintendent of the hospital stated that multiple appeals have been made to higher authorities, and posters were intended to “create awareness” among patients—not to avoid accountability.
Rayagada MLA Appalaswami Kadraka expressed deep concern over the hospital’s deteriorating condition. Calling it “a clear failure of governance,” he assured the public that he would raise the issue in the upcoming Assembly session.
⚖️ A Question of Rights and Dignity
In a district contributing significantly to Odisha’s industrial revenue and employment, it is deeply troubling that the very workforce driving this progress is denied basic health services. The ESI Hospital at JK Pur, which was established in 1978 to serve industrial workers, now stands as a symbol of neglect and administrative apathy.
With public confidence waning and political pressure mounting, the key question remains:
When will the state act to restore the dignity, health, and rights of its industrial workforce?
By
Bureau chief And City Reporter Rayagda
