BUDGAM, Apr 24: A significant milestone in worker welfare services was reached in the Kashmir Valley with the inauguration of the first Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital in Ompora, Budgam. Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, presided over the opening ceremony on Friday, emphasizing the crucial role of worker dignity in national progress.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the newly established 30-bedded hospital, built at a cost of ₹165 crore, is poised to directly benefit over 50,000 workers and their families in the region. The facility has been designed with provisions for future expansion to accommodate up to 100 beds, ensuring long-term service delivery.
Workers’ Welfare at the Core of Governance
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mandaviya articulated that a nation that prioritizes the dignity of its workforce is inherently unstoppable in its developmental trajectory. He highlighted the substantial growth in social security coverage in India, noting that it has increased from 19 percent in 2015 to 64.3 percent in 2025, citing data from the International Labour Organisation. This progress, he added, has garnered international recognition, with the International Social Security Association acknowledging India’s efforts in 2025.
The Union minister also underscored the transformative impact of the four Labour Codes, which were implemented last year. These reforms, he explained, introduce long-awaited protections for workers, including mandatory annual health check-ups, the provision of appointment letters, and the establishment of minimum wages. The annual health check-ups, facilitated through ESIC hospitals, are expected to play a vital role in the early detection of diseases and the promotion of preventive healthcare, thereby securing the future well-being of workers.
Enhanced Healthcare Access Through Convergence
Further enhancing the healthcare ecosystem for workers, the minister pointed out the convergence of ESIC services with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. This strategic alignment expands access to cashless treatment for beneficiaries across a network of empanelled hospitals, offering a more comprehensive safety net.
The establishment of this ESIC hospital in Budgam represents a substantial investment in the health and well-being of the working population in the Kashmir Valley. It is anticipated that this facility will not only provide essential medical services but also contribute to a more secure and dignified working environment, aligning with the government’s broader agenda of inclusive development.
The Chenab Times News Desk