Srinagar, Apr 24 (JKNS): In a significant boost to the healthcare sector in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports
on Friday inaugurated a 30-bedded ESIC Hospital, expandable to 100 beds, at Ompora in Budgam district.
As per news agency JKNS, the hospital has been established to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to workers and their families under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) scheme.
Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said that the labour class had remained neglected in the past, but the present government has placed workers’ welfare at the centre of its development agenda. He said the progress of the nation is directly linked to the well-being of its workforce.
He said that when the government assumed office in 2014, around 7 crore people were covered under ESIC, which has now increased to nearly 14 crore beneficiaries.
The Minister emphasized that a strong healthcare system is essential to ensure timely treatment, especially for labourers who often struggle to afford expensive medical care. He added that various reforms have been introduced to provide treatment support ranging from Re 1 to Rs 1 crore under different schemes.
Highlighting future plans, he announced that a nursing college will be set up at the hospital and nursing training facilities will also be started soon.
On India’s bid for the 2036 Olympics, he said the government is committed to providing necessary infrastructure and opportunities to enable youth to actively participate and excel in sports.
The hospital is expected to significantly improve healthcare access for workers and their families in the region. (JKNS)
