Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the first Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital in the Kashmir Valley on Sunday. The hospital, located in the Bemina area of Srinagar, is set to provide comprehensive medical services to insured workers and their families under the ESI scheme.
Healthcare Boost for Kashmir
The new ESIC hospital is a significant step towards improving healthcare infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley. With state-of-the-art facilities, the hospital will cater to the medical needs of thousands of ESI beneficiaries in the region. The hospital offers a range of services including outpatient departments, inpatient care, diagnostic services, and pharmacy.
Key Features of the Hospital
- Capacity: The hospital has a capacity of 100 beds, with plans for expansion in the future.
- Specialties: It provides services in medicine, surgery, gynecology, pediatrics, and orthopedics.
- Diagnostic Services: Equipped with modern diagnostic tools including X-ray, ultrasound, and laboratory services.
- Pharmacy: An in-house pharmacy ensures availability of medicines at subsidized rates.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, including Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Secretary Arun Kumar Mehta. Mandaviya emphasized the government's commitment to extending social security and healthcare coverage to all workers.
Impact on Insured Workers
The establishment of this hospital is expected to reduce the burden on existing healthcare facilities in the valley. Previously, ESI beneficiaries had to travel to other districts or private hospitals for treatment. The new facility will provide timely and affordable healthcare services, improving the quality of life for insured workers and their families.
Future Plans
The government plans to set up more ESIC hospitals in other parts of Jammu and Kashmir to ensure comprehensive coverage. The ESIC scheme currently covers over 3.5 crore workers across India, and the expansion in the union territory is part of a broader initiative to strengthen social security.
Mandaviya also launched the 'ESIC 2.0' portal, which aims to digitize services and make it easier for beneficiaries to access medical care. The portal will allow workers to register, claim benefits, and track their medical history online.
