New Delhi [India], April 22 (ANI): In a significant boost to public healthcare and medical education, Union Minister of Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, announced on Tuesday that the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has given in-principle approval for the establishment of 10 new ESIC medical colleges across the country.

The decision was taken during the 194th meeting of the ESI Corporation and aims to expand access to quality healthcare and medical education for both workers and the general public.

The approved sites for the new ESIC medical colleges for the financial year 2024-25 include Andheri (Maharashtra), Basaidarapur (Delhi), Guwahati-Beltola (Assam), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Ludhiana (Punjab), Naroda-Bapunagar (Gujarat), Noida and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), and Ranchi (Jharkhand).

Union Minister Mandaviya stated that the move aligns with the government's vision to strengthen ESIC infrastructure and improve healthcare delivery, especially for India's workforce.

He also highlighted that the expansion would also address the growing demand for medical education seats in government institutions.

In addition to the approved institutions, 10 more locations are under active consideration for future ESIC medical colleges for the financial year 2024-25.

These proposed sites include Pune and Nagpur in Maharashtra, Manesar (Haryana), Kollam (Kerala), Surat (Gujarat), Vishakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Bhubaneshwar (Odisha), Asansol (West Bengal), Pandunagar (Uttar Pradesh), and Margaon (Goa).

An official release from the Ministry of Labour and Employment said that the ESIC is drafting a new policy to expand access to medical services through Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) in districts where ESIC coverage is either non-existent or partially implemented.

The release said the objective is to ensure that deemed beneficiaries in these areas also receive timely and quality healthcare services under the ESIC framework.

The initiative will bridge healthcare gaps, especially in rural and semi-urban locations where ESIC facilities have been limited.

In addition, the release also announced a major convergence of ESIC with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This move will enable over 14.4 crore ESIC beneficiaries to avail of cashless and comprehensive healthcare services at PMJAY-empanelled hospitals across the country.

The convergence with AB-PMJAY is expected to significantly enhance the reach of ESIC healthcare services, especially in states and regions where dedicated ESIC hospitals are yet to be established.

The ESIC has significantly expanded the geographical reach of the ESI Scheme, now covering 691 districts across the country -- up from 393 districts in 2014.

The scheme's rapid expansion over the past decade has brought millions of workers and their families under the ambit of ESIC benefits, including healthcare, maternity, and disability coverage.

As of April 21, 2025, ESIC services are actively implemented in 691 districts. Among the latest additions are 8 districts in Nagaland and 15 districts in Uttar Pradesh.

These newly notified areas will extend ESI coverage to approximately 76,274 additional insured persons (IPs) and their families, providing them with essential social protection.

The expansion continues with proposals underway for notification in one more district each in Odisha and Uttar Pradesh, two in Maharashtra, and six in Bihar.

ESIC is one of the largest social security organisations in India. It offers medical, cash, maternity, disability, and dependent benefits to workers covered under the ESI Act. (ANI)