In the heart of Faridabad, the ESIC Medical College and Hospital is facing a crisis as patients endure excruciatingly long waiting times for essential medical procedures. Reports indicate that patients are being scheduled for surgeries and vital diagnostic tests such as MRIs and CT scans with delays stretching from three months to a staggering year.
As of April 21, 2025, patients seeking surgical interventions for conditions like kidney stones, hernias, and hip replacements are receiving dates that are three to five months out. This has left many in dire straits, as they are forced to seek treatment in private hospitals, often at significantly higher costs. The hospital has only 12 operation theaters, which are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of patients. Each day, hundreds flock to the facility, but the limited resources are proving inadequate to meet the demand.
One patient, Meera, expressed her frustration, stating, "I have kidney stone issues, but I was given an appointment five months away. In this situation, I’ll have to go to a private hospital for surgery." Another patient, Raju, who needs a hernia operation, echoed her sentiments, saying he was also scheduled for three months later. Such delays raise serious questions about the efficacy of the ESIC system, which is designed to provide timely healthcare to employees and their families.
Dr. Sandeep Kumar, the medical superintendent of the hospital, acknowledged the challenges, saying, "We are seeing a high number of patients. Our resources are limited. We are doing our best to provide good and timely treatment, but unfortunately, waiting times are inevitable in some cases." This admission highlights a systemic issue within the public healthcare framework, which is evidently struggling to keep up with the needs of the population.
Meanwhile, the situation is not limited to Faridabad. In the Malegaon and Musalgaon industrial estates, over 20,000 workers are facing a similar plight due to the absence of an ESIC hospital in Sinnar. These workers are being compelled to travel to Nashik for treatment, further exacerbating their healthcare challenges. The lack of local facilities has left many feeling neglected and frustrated, as they are unable to access timely medical care.
On another front, the ESIC Medical College and Hospital in Faridabad is also experiencing significant delays for diagnostic tests. Patients reported being given dates for MRIs and CT scans that are as far out as one year. Each day, approximately 4,500 patients from the Delhi-NCR region visit the hospital, but with only one machine each for CT scans and MRIs, the wait times are becoming untenable.
For instance, one patient, Deepak Shukla, who complained of persistent stomach pain, was given an appointment for an MRI in August, a full four months away. Such lengthy delays for critical diagnostic procedures can lead to worsening health conditions, as patients are left to suffer without answers or treatment. In many cases, patients are left with no choice but to seek out private facilities, often incurring significant financial burdens.
Patients have voiced their concerns about the hospital's management of appointments. Many have reported arriving early only to be turned away due to fully booked slots. Mohan, who arrived for treatment, shared, "The doctor advised me to get immediate tests, but I was told that there were no available slots, and I was given a date three months later." This experience reflects a broader pattern of dissatisfaction among patients who feel that their needs are not being adequately addressed.
Despite being designated a super-specialty hospital, the ESIC facility has not expanded its resources to match the growing demand. Officials have indicated that the limited number of machines and a shortage of technical staff are contributing factors to the current situation. "We have only one machine for each type of scan, which is simply not enough given the number of patients we see daily," said a senior official who requested anonymity.
The implications of these delays are serious. Many patients come from low-income backgrounds, making it difficult for them to afford private healthcare options. The current state of the hospital is forcing some to take loans or borrow money from family and friends to cover medical expenses, adding to their financial stress.
As the healthcare system grapples with these challenges, the need for immediate reform and increased funding is becoming increasingly urgent. The government and relevant authorities must take action to ensure that patients receive the timely care they deserve. The long waiting lists and inadequate resources not only undermine the purpose of the ESIC system but also jeopardize the health and well-being of countless individuals who rely on it for their medical needs.
In summary, the situation at the ESIC Medical College and Hospital in Faridabad, along with the lack of facilities in areas like Sinnar, highlights a growing healthcare crisis that demands immediate attention. Patients are left in limbo, waiting for surgeries and diagnostic tests that could significantly impact their health, while the system struggles to keep pace with the needs of its users. Without swift intervention, the healthcare challenges facing these communities are likely to worsen.
