The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has announced a significant decision to extend medical benefits to superannuated insured persons, easing the eligibility criteria for accessing healthcare services. This landmark decision was made during the 193rd meeting of ESIC, chaired by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, according to a statement from the Ministry of Labour.
Under the new provisions, insured workers who have retired or opted for voluntary retirement, and were previously excluded from ESIC coverage due to exceeding the wage ceiling, will now be eligible for medical benefits. To qualify, these workers must have been in insurable employment for a minimum of five years before superannuation or voluntary retirement. Additionally, those who were in insurable employment for at least five years after April 1, 2012, and retired on or after April 1, 2017, with monthly wages up to Rs 30,000, will benefit from this extension.
This move by ESIC marks a significant step towards enhancing social security measures for retired workers, ensuring that they have access to affordable healthcare services even after leaving the workforce.
In addition to the extension of medical benefits, ESIC has relaxed norms for establishing dispensaries and medical infrastructure in the North-Eastern states, including Sikkim. This decision aligns with the government’s Act East Policy and aims to improve healthcare access in the region.
Furthermore, to promote holistic wellbeing among ESIC beneficiaries, a new policy on AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) has been adopted. This policy includes the establishment of Panchkarma, Kshara Sutra, and AYUSH units in ESIC hospitals, emphasizing the integration of traditional Indian medicine into mainstream healthcare services.
To address the growing demand for medical care, ESIC has approved the acquisition of land for the construction of new hospitals. These include 100-bed hospitals in Udupi, Karnataka; Idukki, Kerala; and a 150-bed hospital in Malerkotla, Punjab. These facilities will bolster the healthcare infrastructure and improve access to quality medical services in these regions.
Additionally, ESIC has extended concessions for non-insured persons to avail healthcare services at ESIC medical colleges and hospitals in Alwar, Rajasthan, and Bihta, Bihar, until March 31, 2025.
During the meeting, Minister Bhupender Yadav highlighted the improvements made in ESIC’s service delivery mechanism, emphasizing the importance of extending social security benefits to vulnerable workers across the country. Labour Secretary Arti Ahuja emphasized the need for a standardized plan to enhance service delivery in terms of cash benefits, medical benefits, and construction management.
The adoption of revised estimates for 2023-24, budget estimates for 2024-25, and performance budget for 2024-25 further underscores ESIC’s commitment to ensuring efficient and effective utilization of resources in delivering social security benefits to workers.
As ESIC continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of the workforce, these initiatives underscore the organization’s dedication to providing comprehensive social security coverage to all segments of society, promoting inclusivity and wellbeing for all.