The Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the newly constructed 100-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital at Doddaballapur, Karnataka, and remotely laid the foundation stone for a 100-bedded ESIC Hospital at Bellary, Karnataka, from Doddaballapur today. Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, the Minister of State for Ministry of Labour and Employment and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Shri K. Sudhakar, Member of the Lok Sabha and Shri Dheeraj Muniraj, Member of Legislative Assembly, Doddaballapur were also present during the event.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, emphasized that access to quality healthcare is an integral part of social security for workers. He stated that “Shramik is the true builder of the nation and is our Vishwakarma. It is our responsibility to ensure all necessary arrangements for their welfare.” He further noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, dignity and empowerment of workers is central to governance and national development.

Dr. Mandaviya underscored the significant expansion of ESIC coverage over the past decade. The number of insured persons under social security has doubled from about 2 crore to 4 crore, he emphasised. “More than 40 crore workers in the country are now covered under various social security schemes, reflecting a substantial rise from 19% coverage in 2015 to over 64% today, as noted by the International Labour Organisation (ILO),” he added.

Speaking on labour reforms, the Union Minister noted that the implementation of the four Labour Codes ensures transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Mandatory appointment letters have been introduced, equal wages for men and women are ensured, and workers in hazardous occupations are now guaranteed ESIC coverage, he elaborated. Dr. Mandaviya further informed that 20 ESIC medical colleges have been established to make medical education accessible to workers’ families. With 40–50% of seats reserved for children of insured persons, these institutions are opening new avenues and opportunities for the workers and their families.

Emphasizing preventive healthcare, the Minister announced that under the new labour framework, workers above 40 years of age will undergo mandatory health check-ups to detect diseases at an early stage. A nationwide health screening drive for workers, under this initiative, will be launched from 7th May in ESIC hospitals across the country to ensure large-scale coverage, Dr. Mandaviya announced.

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, he stressed. These hospitals, he said, will act as a blessing for the workforce and their family members, providing completely free medical services to insured persons and their dependents.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment, the Minister stated that the welfare of workers remains a core priority, and continuous efforts are being made to strengthen social security mechanisms and improve the quality of life for India’s workforce.

Sushri Shobha Karandlaje, the Minister of State for Ministry of Labour and Employment and Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, while addressing the gathering, mentioned that the establishment of the hospital marks a proud moment for Karnataka and a significant milestone in the government's commitment to worker welfare, as the facility at Doddaballapura will offer comprehensive medical services including OPD, modular operation theatres, emergency care, gynecology, pediatrics, orthopedics, ophthalmology, dental services, pharmacy, and diagnostics. With this hospital, 1.50 lakh insured persons and 5.50 lakh beneficiaries of Bengaluru and the nearby area will have easy access to quality healthcare, she said.

She highlighted that this inauguration reflects the unwavering resolve of the Government of India and ESIC to ensure that every worker and his/her family receives the social security and medical care they rightfully deserve, reinforcing the government’s vision of a healthy, protected, and productive workforce for a Viksit Bharat.

As a special gesture, Dr. Mandaviya also honored the construction workers who contributed to the development of the hospital and disbursed benefits to ESI beneficiaries during the event.

 

The ESIC Hospital at Doddaballapur, Bengaluru Rural, Karnataka, is a 100-bedded multi-specialty secondary care facility built over 5 acres at a cost of ₹101.14 crore. It includes 32 staff quarters and offers key services such as General Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, emergency care, and comprehensive diagnostic facilities including radiology, laboratory, and blood bank. The proposed ESIC Hospital at Bellary will be developed on 5.21 acres with an estimated cost of ₹150 crore and will provide modern, state-of-the-art healthcare services to insured persons and their families under the ESI Scheme.

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Rini Choudhury/Anjelina Alexander

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