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Title: Need to start an E.S.I. Hospital in Kolhapur, Maharashtra.
SHRI S.D. MANDLIK (KOLHAPUR): There are around 30 thousand industrial workers in Kolhapur district and all are regular ESI cardholders. The also require medical attention as is envisaged in ESIC Act/Law.
Keeping this requirement in view the ESI Corporation, New Delhi has built a 150 bed hospital in Kolhapur. This was built at the cost of Rs. 8 crores in 1996. However, this hospital did not start for various reasons and the building is not in use.
Realizing the necessity of a full-fledged hospital at Kolhapur, the ESI Board of Directors decided to privatize the hospital vide resolution no. 80/81 dated 16th February 2000 & this decision was conveyed to the Mumbai High Court who in turn directed the ESIC to complete the privatization procedure. The workers union had then consented to abide by the High Court decision.
A tender notice to this effect was duly published in newspapers and a private party was fixed to start the hospital. The labour department of Government of India, however, did not permit the privatization process at this stage thus causing serious hardships to 30 thousand labour force in Kolhapur district.
Through your good office Sir, I urge the Central & State Governments to take step to start the hospital either through their own resources or abide by the ruling of High Court of Mumbai and alleviate health hardship of 30 thousand labour force in Kolhapur district.