First ESIC Hospital in Kashmir Inaugurated in Budgam: Worker Healthcare and Social Security

In a landmark step toward strengthening healthcare access and social security for workers, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated a 30-bedded Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital at Ompora in Budgam.

The facility marks the first ESIC hospital in Kashmir, signalling a major expansion of worker welfare infrastructure in the region and reinforcing the government's focus on inclusive healthcare delivery.

Expanding Healthcare Access for Workers

Built at a cost of ₹165 crore, the hospital is designed with future scalability, with provisions to expand up to 100 beds. It is expected to directly benefit over 50,000 workers and their families, significantly improving access to quality, affordable healthcare services in the Valley.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya underscored the central role of workers in nation-building:

"A country that values the dignity of its workers is unstoppable on the path of progress."

He reaffirmed the government's commitment to ensuring dignity, security, and healthcare for every worker, highlighting that labour welfare remains at the core of governance.

Rising Social Security Coverage Gains Global Recognition

The Minister pointed to India's growing achievements in social security, noting that:

• Coverage has increased from 19% in 2015 to 64.3% in 2025

• India received the 'Excellence in Social Security' Award (2025) from the International Social Security Association

These milestones reflect the country's rapid progress in expanding welfare coverage and strengthening institutional frameworks.

Labour Reforms Driving Worker-Centric Ecosystem

Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the transformative impact of the four Labour Codes, implemented to modernize India's labour ecosystem.

Key provisions include:

• Mandatory appointment letters for workers

• Minimum wage guarantees

• Annual health check-ups, particularly through ESIC hospitals

He emphasized that regular health screenings will enable early disease detection and preventive care, improving long-term health outcomes for workers.

ESIC: A Pillar of Worker Welfare

Since its inception in 1952, the ESIC scheme has evolved into one of India's most comprehensive social security frameworks.

Today, it provides:

• Healthcare and benefits to 3.84 crore insured persons

• Coverage for nearly 15 crore beneficiaries nationwide

The integration of ESIC with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) has further expanded access to cashless treatment across empanelled hospitals, enhancing healthcare reach.

Strengthening Coverage in Jammu & Kashmir

The ESI Scheme, introduced in Jammu & Kashmir in 1989, has seen substantial expansion:

• Initially covered around 7,000 workers in select districts

• Now implemented across all districts of the Union Territory

• Covers approximately 1.83 lakh insured persons

• Benefits nearly 7 lakh individuals

The scheme is administered through the ESIC Regional Office in Jammu and the Jammu & Kashmir Employees' State Insurance Society (JKESIS).

Recognising Workers and Delivering Benefits

As part of the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Mandaviya:

• Felicitated workers who contributed to the construction of the hospital

• Distributed social security benefits to insured persons in the region

The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Labour & Employment, ESIC, local administration, and public representatives.

A Step Toward Inclusive Development

The inauguration of the ESIC hospital in Budgam represents a significant milestone in extending formal healthcare infrastructure to underserved regions, particularly in Jammu & Kashmir.

It also reflects a broader national strategy to:

• Strengthen worker-centric welfare systems

• Expand healthcare accessibility

• Ensure equitable development across regions

With the establishment of the first ESIC hospital in Kashmir, India moves closer to building a comprehensive, inclusive social security network, where every worker—regardless of geography—has access to quality healthcare and protection.