- Major healthcare upgrade for workers in Karnataka: 100-bedded ESIC Hospital inaugurated at Doddaballapur; Bellary facility foundation laid virtually
- “Shramik is Nation’s Vishwakarma”: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya underscores dignity, welfare and healthcare as pillars of labour empowerment
- Free health screening for workers aged 40+ from May 7: Nationwide preventive healthcare drive to be rolled out across ESIC hospitals
- Social security coverage leaps from 19% to 64%: Over 40 crore workers now under welfare net, says Union Minister citing ILO data
- Comprehensive medical care for lakhs of beneficiaries: New facility to serve 1.5 lakh workers and 5.5 lakh dependents in industrial belt
E HEALTH BURNEAU
NEW DELHI, MAY 3
In a significant push towards strengthening healthcare access for India’s labour force, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated a 100-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital at Doddaballapur in Karnataka, while also virtually laying the foundation stone for another 100-bedded ESIC facility at Bellary.
Highlighting the centrality of workers in nation-building, Dr. Mandaviya said, “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 emphasized that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental pillar of social security.
The Minister noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, worker dignity and empowerment have become integral to governance. He pointed to a major expansion in social security coverage, stating, “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).”
Focusing on preventive healthcare, Dr. Mandaviya announced, “Workers above 40 years of age will undergo mandatory health check-ups to detect diseases at an early stage.” He added that a nationwide health screening drive will be launched from May 7 across ESIC hospitals.
The newly inaugurated hospital is expected to benefit a large industrial workforce in the region. “These hospitals will act as a blessing for the workforce and their family members, providing completely free medical services to insured persons and their dependents,” he said.
The Doddaballapur facility, built at a cost of ₹101.14 crore over 5 acres, offers multi-specialty services including general medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, paediatrics, orthopaedics, emergency care, and advanced diagnostic facilities such as radiology, laboratories and a blood bank. The upcoming Bellary hospital, to be developed at an estimated ₹150 crore, will further expand healthcare access for insured workers.
Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje termed the project a milestone for Karnataka, stating, “The establishment of the hospital marks a proud moment… ensuring that every worker and his/her family receives the social security and medical care they rightfully deserve.” She added that the facility will provide comprehensive services including OPD, modular operation theatres, emergency care, and specialised departments.
The event also saw Dr. Mandaviya honouring construction workers involved in building the hospital and distributing benefits to ESI beneficiaries, reinforcing the government’s commitment to worker welfare and inclusive growth.
