Agartala, Tripura (March 20, 2025):
In a significant move aimed at improving medical services for ESI-registered patients in Tripura, the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Society has officially announced new empanelment opportunities for medical shops in Agartala. This decision comes after multiple patient complaints regarding harassment and negligence by two existing empanelled pharmacies in the Battala area.
According to an official advertisement released by the office of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) BB Reang, IAS, the ESI Society is now inviting applications from eligible chemist shops to supply medicines to ESI beneficiaries in Agartala.
Why the Decision Was Taken?
The action follows serious grievances submitted by ESI patients and their families against two existing empanelled medical shops in Battala. Reports indicate that:
- Patients were denied the full list of prescribed medicines, forcing them to buy essential drugs elsewhere.
- Pharmacy staff reportedly misbehaved with patients and their families, causing undue stress and inconvenience.
- Multiple complaints were filed with the Chief Minister’s Office, which prompted an official intervention.
Upon review, the Chief Minister’s Office directed CEO BB Reang to take immediate corrective action, leading to the decision to impanel additional medical shops and ensure better accessibility and service quality for ESI-registered patients.
New Empanelment: A Step Toward Better Healthcare Services
To address the issue and prevent future occurrences, the Tripura Labour Department and ESI Society have now:
- Issued a public notice inviting new chemist shops to apply for empanelment.
- Set March 25, 2025, as the last date for submission of applications.
- Encouraged eligible pharmacy owners in Agartala to apply and be part of the government’s effort to improve patient services.
The empanelment of new medical shops is expected to increase the availability of prescribed medicines and reduce patient dependency on limited service providers, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the ESI healthcare system.
Government Plans to Strengthen ESI Healthcare in Tripura
Apart from empaneling new pharmacies, Tripura’s ESI Society is also considering hiring retired doctors on a contractual basis to reinforce the medical team at the ESI dispensary in Agartala’s Shyamali Bazar.
This strategic move aims to:
- Enhance patient care at the dispensary by increasing the availability of experienced doctors.
- Reduce waiting times and improve medical consultation services for insured persons.
- Ensure that ESI beneficiaries receive timely treatment without unnecessary delays.
A senior health official remarked:
“The government is committed to improving ESI healthcare services. By expanding the number of empanelled pharmacies and appointing more medical professionals, we aim to ensure that all beneficiaries receive uninterrupted medical support.”
How to Apply for ESI Medical Shop Empanelment?
Pharmacy owners in Agartala who meet the eligibility criteria can apply for empanelment by:
- Visiting the official ESI Society office or the Labour Department for application details.
- Submitting all required documents as per the guidelines in the public advertisement.
- Ensuring compliance with ESI regulations for the supply of medicines to beneficiaries.
Interested applicants must complete their submissions before the deadline on March 25, 2025.
Conclusion: A Positive Step for ESI Beneficiaries
The Tripura ESI Society’s initiative to expand the empanelment of medical shops and strengthen healthcare infrastructure marks a crucial step towards patient-centric healthcare delivery. By removing problematic service providers and bringing in more trusted pharmacies, ESI beneficiaries can expect smoother access to essential medicines and improved patient experiences.
With continued government intervention and healthcare reforms, Tripura is set to enhance its ESI medical services, ensuring better support for insured workers and their families.
