Haryana orders crackdown on ESI irregularities, 6 hospitals to be de-empanelled

Chandigarh: In a strong push for accountability in the state’s healthcare system, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has directed strict action against alleged irregularities in the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) healthcare network, warning that negligence and corruption at any level will not be tolerated.

The Chief Minister issued the directives while chairing a review meeting of ESI Healthcare Haryana at the Haryana Civil Secretariat on Saturday.

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According to the news reports, acting on his directions, the health department has initiated the process to de-empanel six private hospitals allegedly found to be involved in excessive referrals between 2020–21 and 2023–24. Investigations also revealed discrepancies in doctors’ signatures on referral documents. In addition, three employees of the Panipat ESI Hospital have been suspended with immediate effect, while disciplinary proceedings have been launched against five Medical Superintendents associated with oversight responsibilities during the relevant period.

The Chief Minister further instructed that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) conduct a fair and comprehensive investigation into the issue. He also directed the ACB to scrutinise records of 133 other empanelled private hospitals under the ESI scheme across the state to identify any possible irregularities.

Alongside the enforcement measures, the government announced infrastructure upgrades to improve ESI healthcare capacity. The Panipat ESI Hospital will be expanded from 75 to 100 beds, with an upgraded operating theatre.

Similarly, directions were issued to upgrade the Jagadhri ESI Hospital from 80 to 100 beds and to increase the capacity of the Hisar ESI dispensary from 12 to 50 beds. He emphasised that all hospitals should be equipped with modern medical technology, reports the Millennium Post.

As per Tribune India, the CM instructed that the construction of two 100-bedded ESI hospitals in Bawal and Bahadurgarh be completed at the earliest, stating that these facilities will significantly improve healthcare services for workers and the general public. He further stated that there should be no shortage of doctors and paramedical staff in the ESI healthcare system and directed that recruitment processes be expedited as required.

Reiterating the government’s commitment, the CM said that transparency, accountability, and quality healthcare services remain top priorities, and any laxity in this regard will not be tolerated.

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