ESIC Hospital in Ludhiana sees high footfall

Manav Mander

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 20

Amid the surging Covid graph, the ESIC Hospital here is witnessing a huge rush of patients who are generally seen giving Covid safety protocols a miss. With the OPD and the Emergency of the Civil Hospital also shifted here after a rise in cases in the second wave, the footfall of the patients at the ESIC Hospital has increased.

All non-Covid cases are attended at the hospital.

In April 2020 also, the OPD and the Emergency of the Civil Hospital were shifted to the ESIC Hospital but after decline in cases in November, these were shifted to the Civil Hospital.

Today also, a huge rush of people was witnessed at the hospital, especially outside Room No. 60 where check-up and prescription for fitness certificate or injury or illness are verified for issuing certificates to ESIC card holders.

Rachpal Singh Gabria, a visitor at the hospital who had come to get his certificate, said people start gathering here at around 9 am while doctors come late.

“Nobody is following the Covid guidelines. People are jostling with each other and there is no social distancing. Some were not wearing face masks,” he said.

He said some time ago, the card holders used to apply online for certificates but now they have to visit the hospital for the same.

Another visitor at the hospital said the second wave of Covid was deadly and amid such a situation it was dangerous that a large number of people are gathering at a place without following any safety guidelines.

“It is the duty of people to follow the safety norms, but they are ignoring the same. Besides, security arrangements should be made by the hospital to manage the rush,” he said.

A patient visiting the OPD at the ESIC Hospital said there was a huge rush of patients. Though she came to the hospital at 10 am, it took over three hours for her to meet the doctor.

Medical Superintendent of ESIC Hospital Anshul Aggarwal said doctors come to their respective offices on time and she herself monitors everything. The problem was that the hospital was witnessing a huge rush as the OPD and the Emergency of the Civil Hospital were also being run from here.

“The rush of the patients has increased but our staff strength is same. Number of security staff is also same as earlier and all are deployed on duty. It is a tough time we are going through and everybody should understand his/her duty and follow all safety guidelines,” she said.