Union Minister Inaugurates first ESIC hospital in Kashmir | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday stressed that nations which uphold the dignity of their workforce are best positioned for sustained progress, asserting that worker welfare must remain central to governance.

Mandaviya, who holds the portfolios of Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, inaugurated a 30-bed hospital of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation at Ompora in central Kashmir’s Budgam.

The facility is the first ESIC hospital in Kashmir, marking a significant step in expanding social security and healthcare services for workers in the region.

Addressing the gathering, the minister highlighted the importance of labour welfare in nation-building. He noted that India’s social security coverage has increased from 19 per cent in 2015 to 64.3 per cent in 2025, citing data from the International Labour Organization. He added that these efforts were recognised globally by the International Social Security Association in 2025.

Referring to the implementation of the four Labour Codes last year, Mandaviya said the reforms ensure key protections for workers, including annual health check-ups, mandatory appointment letters, and minimum wages.

He underlined that regular health screenings through ESIC facilities would enable early detection of diseases and promote preventive healthcare, securing workers’ long-term well-being.

The minister also pointed to the integration of ESIC services with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which expands access to cashless treatment across empanelled hospitals.

Constructed at a cost of Rs 165 crore, the hospital has the capacity to be expanded to 100 beds and is expected to benefit over 50,000 workers and their families in the region.(KINS)