ESIC Takes Major Steps to Enhance Medical Care and Cash Benefits

New Delhi: The 231st Meeting of the Standing Committee of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) was convened on March 5, 2024, in New Delhi, under the chairpersonship of Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Labour & Employment. The meeting focused on key decisions aimed at improving the accessibility of medical care and cash benefits for Insured Workers and their families.

One of the significant decisions made during the meeting was the establishment of a Sub-Regional Office at Alwar, Rajasthan. This move is expected to benefit approximately 12 lakh Insured Workers and beneficiaries of the ESI Scheme residing in the districts of Alwar, Khairthal-Tijara, Kothputilli-Behror, Bharatpur, and Deeg. The establishment of the new ESIC Sub-Regional Office in Alwar is set to enhance service delivery and accessibility for the beneficiaries in the region.

The meeting also saw the approval of estimates for the construction of seven new ESI Hospitals at strategic locations. The approved hospitals will be situated in Harohalli, Narsapura, Bommasandra (Karnataka), Merrut, Bareilly (Uttar Pradesh), Pithampur (Madhya Pradesh), and Duburi (Odisha). The estimated cost for the construction of these hospitals is Rs. 1128.21 crore. This initiative will add 800 beds to the existing medical care infrastructure of ESIC, contributing significantly to the augmentation of healthcare facilities.

The decisions made during the meeting align with the vision for “Viksit Bharat,” emphasizing the expansion and strengthening of medical and cash benefits delivery infrastructure. Over the last decade, there has been remarkable growth in the number of districts and Insured Workers covered under the ESI Scheme, with the figures reaching 666 districts and 3.43 crore workers, respectively.

Dr. Rajendra Kumar, Director General of ESIC, along with employers’ representatives, employees’ representatives, and senior officers of the Ministry of Labour & Employment and ESIC, attended the meeting. The decisions taken are expected to have a positive impact on the healthcare ecosystem and overall well-being of the beneficiaries under the ESIC Scheme.