State Government Initiates Probe, Suspends Staff, and Plans Major Hospital Upgrades
In a strong push for accountability in the state’s healthcare system, Nayab Singh Saini has directed strict action against alleged irregularities in the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) healthcare network. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Haryana Civil Secretariat, the Chief Minister made it clear that negligence and corruption at any level will not be tolerated.
Action Against Private Hospitals and Officials
Acting on the Chief Minister’s directives, the health department has begun the process to de-empanel six private hospitals suspected of excessive patient referrals between 2020–21 and 2023–24. Investigations have also revealed discrepancies in doctors’ signatures on referral documents, raising serious concerns about procedural violations.
In a parallel move, three employees at the Panipat ESI Hospital have been suspended with immediate effect. Additionally, disciplinary proceedings have been initiated against five Medical Superintendents who were responsible for oversight during the period under review.
Anti-Corruption Bureau to Conduct Statewide Probe
The Chief Minister has instructed the Anti-Corruption Bureau to carry out a fair and comprehensive investigation into the matter. The bureau will also scrutinize records of 133 other empanelled private hospitals under the ESI scheme across the state to detect any further irregularities.
Major Infrastructure Upgrades Announced
Alongside enforcement actions, the Haryana government has announced significant upgrades to strengthen ESI healthcare infrastructure:
- Panipat ESI Hospital to be expanded from 75 to 100 beds, along with an upgraded operation theatre
- Jagadhri ESI Hospital to be upgraded from 80 to 100 beds
- Hisar ESI dispensary capacity to increase from 12 to 50 beds
The Chief Minister emphasized that all facilities must be equipped with modern medical technology to ensure quality care.
New Hospitals in Pipeline, Recruitment to Be Fast-Tracked
The government has also accelerated plans to construct two new 100-bedded ESI hospitals in Bawal and Bahadurgarh. These projects are expected to significantly improve healthcare access for workers and the general public.
Highlighting the need for adequate manpower, the Chief Minister directed officials to expedite recruitment processes to eliminate shortages of doctors and paramedical staff across the ESI network.
Focus on Transparency and Quality Healthcare
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Saini stated that transparency, accountability, and high-quality healthcare services remain top priorities. He warned that any lapse in these areas would invite strict consequences, signaling a zero-tolerance approach toward corruption in the healthcare system.
