ESI Dispensaries Relocated, Beneficiaries Struggle

EKKALADEVI SRINIVAS I hyderabad

The Telangana government’s recent decision to move Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) dispensaries into state-owned buildings has caused major disruption for beneficiaries and staff. Across GHMC limits, nearly 1.5 million beneficiaries and their families—totaling 6–7.5 million people—are facing difficulty accessing dispensaries, even for minor health issues.

Previously, ESI dispensaries were managed by the Central Ministry of Labour, which funded rent, staff salaries, and medical supplies for over 70 dispensaries in the state. Funding has now been cut from ₹500 crore to ₹250 crore annually, requiring the state to bear rents, salaries, and operational costs. Following central directives, 29 dispensaries in GHMC areas have been relocated into government buildings, including community halls and small clinics. For example, the Ameerpeta dispensary moved to Badichowdi, Khairatabad dispensary shifted to GHMC Commercial Complex in Koti, IDA Bollaram to Pragathinagar Basti Clinic, Medchal to Goudavelli Ward Office, and Vidyanagar to Adikimet Community Hall. These relocations have made access difficult for beneficiaries, while staff face cramped workspaces, logistical hurdles, dust, and traffic congestion. 

Community halls, traditionally used for festivals, meetings, and polling, are ill-suited to house dispensaries requiring multiple sections—consultancy, OP, lab, pharmacy, storage—and large supply deliveries. Some locations even require staff to navigate precise coordinates to find the buildings.

The move has forced many daily wage workers, small shop owners, women, and the elderly to travel longer distances, with some opting for private healthcare due to inconvenience. Staff struggle to maintain operations in inadequate facilities.

Overall, the relocation of ESI dispensaries into government buildings highlights a disconnect between administrative decisions and practical public healthcare needs, creating widespread disruption for both beneficiaries and medical personnel.