Bhubaneswar: A new dialysis unit exclusively for insured employees and their families was inaugurated today at ESI Hospital in Bhubaneswar.
Ganesh Ram SingKhuntia, Minister of State for Labour and Employees’ Insurance, Forest, Environment and Climate Change, inaugurated the facility and expressed his happiness, stating, “Today is a moment of joy for all of us. With the inauguration of this dialysis unit, insured employees and their family members will receive dialysis treatment free of cost. In light of the increasing incidence of kidney, heart diseases, and other ailments, this facility will be immensely beneficial. Patients can be referred from all hospitals within the Bhubaneswar zone and receive free treatment at this unit.”
This free dialysis service is being offered for the first time at ESI Hospital in Bhubaneswar. Minister SingKhuntia directed departmental officials to ensure that the service is accessible to all insured employees.
Minister SingKhuntia further mentioned that agreements have been made with 12 secondary care and 12 tertiary care units under the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme, ensuring free dialysis treatment for all beneficiaries. Additionally, the dialysis service will soon be operational at Choudwar ESI Hospital. He also announced that a super specialty outdoor facility is set to be launched at Bhubaneswar ESI Hospital soon.
Principal Secretary, Labour & ESI Department, Chitra Arumugam, was present as the guest of honour. She highlighted that the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme, implemented in the state since 196, provides comprehensive medical care and facilities to approximately 10 lakh insured employees through four ESI hospitals and 53 ESI dispensaries across the state. This social security and health insurance scheme caters to the organized sector employees and their dependents, ensuring access to complete medical services. Arumugam emphasized the state’s commitment to providing uninterrupted medical facilities to insured employees.
In addition, Labour Commissioner Indramani Tripathi, Employees State Insurance Director Ashok Kumar Panda, Additional Secretary Rajesh Agarwal, and Chairman of Bhubaneswar ESI Hospital Dr. Srikant Debata attended the event, contributing to its success.
Following the inauguration, various issues concerning ESI hospitals were discussed in the hospital’s conference room. Representatives of various labour unions also met with the Labour Minister to bring attention to challenges faced by workers.