Belagavi ESIC’s 100-bed hosp project stuck, patients treated in unsafe building

Belagavi: The ambitious project to build a fully equipped 100-bed Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital in Ashok Nagar, aimed at serving lakhs of insured workers in Belagavi's rapidly expanding industrial belt, remains stalled at the paperwork stage, six months after the tender was floated.ESIC, under the Union ministry of labour, decided to demolish the existing 50-bed hospital and staff quarters at Ashok Nagar and construct a modern 100-bed facility at the same site. A grant of around Rs 152 crore was approved for the project, and an official order was issued on July 24, 2025. The tender process was conducted during July-Aug last year, with the construction period fixed at 30 months.
However, despite the passage of 6 months since the order and tender process, there was no visible progress on the ground. Neither demolition work began nor any foundation-laying activity took place. This has triggered growing dissatisfaction among ESI beneficiaries, who fear the project might turn into yet another ‘paper project'.Interestingly, a similar tender was floated earlier but was cancelled for undisclosed reasons. After the process was re-initiated, it was expected that the project would move swiftly. However, the current slow pace has raised concerns.Belagavi is a major industrial hub, with extensive industrial estates in and around the city. More than 3 lakh workers employed in factories, industrial establishments and manufacturing units avail medical benefits under the ESI scheme. More concerning is that patient services are continuing in the same building, which is unsafe and unfit for use, according to a report submitted by an engineering college in Tamil Nadu. The report suggested dismantling the structure.As part of the project plan, ESIC decided to temporarily relocate the existing hospital before the construction commenced. A temporary facility was planned at Yamnapur, and work there wassaid to be completed. A relocation order was issued in June last year. However, sources say the shifting process was delayed due to administrative hurdles, technical issues and lack of coordination. The delay in relocation is also cited as a major reason for the hold-up in the new hospital project.Speaking to the TOI, district minister Satish Jarkiholi said he will soon hold a meeting with the officials concerned. "It is a need of the hour," he said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Valentine's day wishes, messages and quotes !