Bengaluru, 3 May

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday inaugurated the newly constructed 100-bedded ESIC Hospital at Doddaballapur near here.

He also laid the foundation stone for a 100-bedded ESIC Hospital at Ballari, remotely from Doddaballapur.

Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje, Chikkaballapura MP K Sudhakar, and Doddaballapur MP Dheeraj Muniraju were among those present.

These healthcare facilities mark a significant milestone in strengthening healthcare delivery under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme in the region, officials said at the event.

As a special gesture, the Union Minister of ESI and Employment also honoured construction workers who contributed to the development of the hospital and disbursed cash benefits to ESI beneficiaries during the event.

Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya emphasised that access to quality healthcare is an integral part of social security for workers.

He said, “Shramik (worker) is the true builder of the nation and is our Vishwakarma. It is our responsibility to ensure all necessary arrangements for their welfare.”

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the dignity and empowerment of workers are central to governance and national development, he added.

Mandaviya underscored the significant expansion of ESIC coverage over the past decade. The number of insured persons under social security has doubled.

He said, “More than 40 crore workers in the country are now covered under various social security schemes, reflecting a substantial rise from 19 per cent coverage in 2015 to over 64 per cent today, as noted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO).”

Regarding labour reforms, the minister noted that the implementation of the four Labour Codes ensures transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.

He said that mandatory appointment letters have been introduced, equal wages for men and women are ensured, and workers in hazardous occupations are now covered under ESIC.

Mandaviya further informed that 20 ESIC medical colleges have been established to make medical education accessible to workers’ families. With 40–50 per cent of seats reserved for children of insured persons, these institutions open new avenues and opportunities for workers and their families.

Emphasising preventive healthcare, the minister said that under the new labour framework, workers above 40 years of age will undergo mandatory health check-ups to enable early detection of diseases.

A nationwide health screening drive for workers under this initiative will be launched from May 7 in ESIC hospitals across the country, he said.

The Doddaballapur facility will serve over 1,42,037 insured workers and their families, benefiting approximately 5.5 lakh beneficiaries across Bengaluru Rural, Chikkaballapura, Tumakuru, and Kolar districts, according to a release.

The Ballari facility, upon completion, will cater to the medical needs of around 64,000 workers and their families, benefiting over 2 lakh beneficiaries in the Ballari division, it said.

The ESIC Hospital at Doddaballapur in Bengaluru Rural is a 100-bedded multi-speciality secondary care facility built over 5 acres at a cost of Rs 101.14 crore.

It has 32 staff quarters and offers key services such as general medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, emergency care, and comprehensive diagnostic facilities, including radiology, laboratory services, and a blood bank.

The proposed ESIC Hospital at Ballari will be developed on 5.21 acres at an estimated cost of Rs 150 crore and will provide modern healthcare services to insured persons and their families under the ESI Scheme.

Highlighting the regional impact of the newly inaugurated hospital, the Minister pointed out that the area hosts multiple textile industries employing over 1.5 lakh registered workers.

“Including their families, nearly 5.5 lakh people stand to benefit from the ESIC healthcare facilities. These hospitals will be a boon for the workforce and their families by providing completely free medical services to insured persons and their dependents,” he added.