Examiner Bureau | Budgam:
Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday inaugurated a 30-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital at Ompora in Budgam, marking a major step towards strengthening healthcare access and social security infrastructure for workers in Jammu and Kashmir.
The newly established facility is the first ESIC hospital in the Kashmir region, representing a significant milestone in expanding worker welfare services.
Addressing the gathering, Mandaviya emphasised the importance of prioritising labour welfare in governance. He said that a nation that respects the dignity of its workforce moves steadily towards progress, adding that the government under Narendra Modi remains committed to ensuring healthcare, security and dignity for workers across the country.
Highlighting India’s achievements in social security, the Minister noted that coverage has expanded significantly in recent years and received international recognition from the International Social Security Association. He also underlined the impact of recent labour reforms, stating that the four Labour Codes have modernised the ecosystem, making it more transparent and worker-centric.
Mandaviya said provisions such as annual health check-ups, mandatory appointment letters and minimum wages will improve workers’ welfare and enable early detection of health issues through ESIC facilities.
He added that since its inception in 1952, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation has grown into a key pillar of worker welfare, currently covering millions of insured persons and beneficiaries nationwide. The integration of ESIC with Ayushman Bharat has further enhanced access to cashless treatment.
Built at a cost of ₹165 crore, the hospital has the capacity to expand up to 100 beds and is expected to directly benefit more than 50,000 workers and their families. The ESI scheme, introduced in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989, is now operational across all districts, covering over 1.83 lakh insured persons and nearly 7 lakh beneficiaries.
During the event, the Minister also felicitated workers involved in the construction of the hospital and distributed social security benefits to insured persons from the Union Territory. Senior officials, public representatives and members of the local administration were present at the inauguration ceremony.
