(a) the steps taken by the Government to implement the
recommendations of Sathnam Committee;
(b) the total amount sanctioned during 1999-2000 for modernisation
of diagnostic facilities at E.S.I. Hospitals;
(c) whether the Government have issued any directions for physical
protection of workers at work places; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI MUNI LALL)
(a) : There was no Committee under the name and title of `Sathnam
Committee` appointed to study the working of ESI hospitals and
dispensaries. However, in July, 1998, the Government had constituted a
committee under the Chairmanship of Shri S. Sathyam to review medical
facilities available in ESI hospitals/dispensaries. The Committee
submitted its report on 14.1.1999. The report of the Committee has
been referred to the ESIC for taking necessary action. The
recommendations of the Committee regarding enhancement of the ceiling
on expenditure on medical care from Rs.500/- to Rs.600/- per insured
person per annum, issue of photo-identity cards to IPs and family
members, creation of medical posts as per the prescribed norms,
enhancement of in-house capabilities of ESI hospitals, introduction of
Health Record Booklet for each beneficiary, non-reservation in favour
of small scale industries for supply of medicines, multi-level quality
control checks, deterrent penal action for supply of sub-standard
drugs, purchase of medicines in strip packs, adequate delegation of
powers to facilitate local purchase of medicines, uniformity in OPD
timings etc. have been accepted for implementation in consultation with
the State Governments.
(b) : Rs.695.56 lakh.
(c) & (d) : Under the Factories Act, 1948, the management is
required to ensure physical protection of workers at work-places by
taking measures which, inter-alia, include fencing of machinery,
examination of the machinery in motion only by trained adult male
workers wearing tight fitting clothing, prohibition of employment of
young persons on dangerous machines, providing striking gears/devices
to cut off power in emergencies, prohibiting employment of women and
children near cotton openers, maintaining permissible limits of
exposures of chemical and toxic substances etc.