EX-SERVICEMEN OUTRAGED BY POOR MANAGEMENT AT ECHS BUXAR

EX-SERVICEMEN OUTRAGED BY POOR MANAGEMENT AT ECHS BUXAR

6-DEC-ENG 8

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BUXAR------------------------Regarding the problems faced by ex-servicemen, Dr. Major P.K. Pandey, Chairman of IESM (Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement) Buxar, and District President Subedar Harendra Tiwari, along with their senior officials, met with the OIC of ECHS Buxar, Colonel D.N. Singh, on Friday. During the meeting, the ex-servicemen expressed serious concern over the long-standing systemic deficiencies at ECHS and demanded immediate solutions. Several important issues were discussed in detail during the meeting.

Regarding the problems faced by ex-servicemen, Dr. Major P.K. Pandey, Chairman of IESM (Indian Ex-Servicemen Movement) Buxar, and District President Subedar Harendra Tiwari, along with their senior officials, met with the OIC of ECHS Buxar, Colonel D.N. Singh, on Friday. During the meeting, the ex-servicemen expressed serious concern over the long-standing systemic deficiencies at ECHS and demanded immediate solutions. Several important issues were discussed in detail during the meeting.

The most serious problem was the absence of doctors. The Ex-Servicemen Association stated that since November 12th, not a single authorized doctor has been present at ECHS Buxar, despite two positions being sanctioned. Approximately 150 ex-servicemen from remote areas, some as far as 40 kilometers away, come to the center, but they are forced to rely solely on a single dentist. There is also a fear among patients of receiving incorrect medication. A written complaint and request letter regarding this matter was submitted to the OIC.

The ex-servicemen also leveled serious allegations against empanelled hospitals, particularly Paras Hospital in Patna. They stated that the hospital often forces patients to purchase several medicines and injections from outside, causing them financial and mental distress. Many families are unable to clearly articulate their problems, forcing them to wander from place to place. The OIC advised them to contact the Joint Director in such cases. Questions raised on ambulance usage, details to be recorded in a register as well

Ex-servicemen also raised questions regarding the use of ambulances, demanding a transparent system for recording where, when, and for whom the ambulances are being used. Colonel D.N. Singh stated that currently, these details are recorded in a card diary. Responding to the soldiers' demand, he assured them that the details would also be recorded in a register.

The delegation also drew attention to the heavy crowds at the center every day and the delays in medicine distribution. The OIC agreed to the demand for deploying another trained staff member for medicine distribution for at least three hours in the morning. He assured them that an additional staff member would be appointed from December 6th.

Complaints about the misbehavior of some staff members were also discussed. The OIC assured them that he would look into the matter seriously and ensure that such complaints do not arise in the future. At the end of the meeting, the Chairman and District President reiterated the demand for the early reinstatement of doctors.

The ex-servicemen also expressed their expectation of cordial behavior from the ECHS staff. Overall, the meeting was positive, and hope was expressed for early improvements.