The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital at Ashoknagar Belagavi has been officially closed, and its staff members have been immediately transferred to other locations. A temporary arrangement has been made to issue referral letters at the ESIC clinic in Yamnapur, with a one-week deadline for this transition. However, this move has left many patients distressed, as medical treatment will not be provided at the new facility.
The Ashoknagar hospital building was declared unsafe three years ago, yet operations continued despite the risks. Over time, various locations in the city were inspected for relocation, but no final decision was made. With the closure now enforced, the hospital premises will be locked, and all services—except issuing referral letters—will be shifted to Yamnapur.
Patients Left Without Direct Treatment
The biggest setback for patients is that the Yamnapur clinic will not offer medical treatment, only referral letters. With nearly 300 patients seeking treatment daily at Ashoknagar, the sudden closure has raised serious concerns about where they will receive healthcare services.
Staff Transfers and Uncertain Future
The hospital had around 45 employees, who have been transferred to Gokak, Dandeli, and other ESIC clinics in Belagavi. Meanwhile, at Yamnapur, only two office staff members and one expert doctor will be available—but without treatment facilities. There are also concerns that contract-based employees may lose their jobs due to these changes.
Uncertainty Over New Hospital Construction
A tender was issued for the construction of a new, well-equipped ESIC hospital at Ashoknagar after demolishing the old building. However, tender for demolition was abruptly canceled. Authorities now plan to reissue the tender, but construction is expected to take a lot of time. Many are now demanding that a temporary hospital be set up at a more convenient location instead of Yamnapur until the new facility is ready.
Before finalizing Yamnapur, authorities had inspected potential relocation sites at Machhe, Ganeshpur, and Vadarwadi. However, no site was confirmed, leading to the decision to shift services to Yamnapur immediately.
With no treatment available at the new location and referral letters being the only service provided, ESIC beneficiaries are left with limited options and uncertainty about their healthcare access in the coming months.