The Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today inaugurated the new OPD Block of ESIC Hospital, Sanathnagar in Telangana. The new medical facility, built at a total cost of Rs. 211.13 crores, will cater to over 12.3 lakh Insured Persons and beneficiaries across Telangana.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stated that Shram Shakti and Yuva Shakti are the two key pillars of nation-building. He said that while technology and Artificial Intelligence are important, Shram Shakti remains central to the country's progress.
He emphasised the need to ensure dignity, respect and social security for workers so that they can contribute effectively to the goal of nation-building. “Seva” and “samman” for the nation’s Shram Shakti will remain at the core of governance under the Modi Government, he underlined.
Highlighting the Government's efforts towards strengthening social security, Dr. Mandaviya said that the number of ESIC beneficiaries has increased from around 7.5 crore a decade ago to over 15 crore at present. Referring to the International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates, he informed that social security coverage in India has expanded from 19 per cent in 2014 to over 64 per cent today, encompassing 94 crore people.
He also highlighted various welfare initiatives undertaken under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, including free food grains for over 80 crore beneficiaries and the construction of more than four crore pucca houses for eligible families, which go on to strengthen the ease of living for India’s workforce.
Speaking about labour reforms, the Union Minister said that the four Labour Codes have replaced 29 existing labour laws, paving the way for a simplified and worker-centric labour framework. He highlighted provisions such as mandatory appointment letters, annual free health check-ups for workers above 40 years of age, equal wages for men and women, and gratuity eligibility after one year of service.
Emphasising the importance of harmonious industrial relations, Dr. Mandaviya called upon employers and employees to work together towards building a developed and prosperous India. Referring to the inauguration of the hospital, he expressed confidence that the facility would strengthen healthcare services for workers and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to their welfare.
As part of the event, the Union Minister also honoured the construction workers who contributed to the development of the OPD Block at ESIC Hospital, Sanathnagar, Telangana recognizing their role in nation-building. He also disbursed cash benefits to ESI beneficiaries, underscoring the Government's continued commitment to the welfare of workers.
The new OPD Block at ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Sanathnagar, is a landmark healthcare facility that will provide modern, comprehensive outpatient services to 12,30,183 Insured Persons and beneficiaries across Telangana, covering Hyderabad, Medchal–Malkajgiri, Sangareddy, Ranga Reddy and Mahabubnagar districts and, being a Medical College cum Hospital, will also cater to Insured Persons across the State.
Spread over a built-up area of 43,611.04 sqm, the facility houses OPD complexes for General Medicine, ENT, Dentistry, Obs & Gynae, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Pulmonology, Paediatrics, General Surgery and AYUSH, besides Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Radiology, Yoga, 180 general beds (in three 60-bed wards), 25 ICU and 20 NICU beds, ICU/NICU units, medical stores, and a Clinical Lecture Theatre.
These inaugurations mark a significant step forward in expanding healthcare infrastructure and reinforcing social security for India's workforce, embodying the Government's vision of Shramev Jayate by placing the dignity, health, and welfare of the workforce at the heart of national progress.