After nearly two decades of anticipation and numerous hurdles, the Tiruppur garment export cluster has reason to celebrate with the recent commissioning of the long-awaited 100-bedded ESIC Hospital. This development comes as a sigh of relief for the estimated six lakh industrial workers in the region, who have long voiced their health concerns.
The journey towards establishing this crucial healthcare facility has been marked by challenges and delays. The initial promise of a full-fledged ESI Hospital was made back in 2005 by the then Union Labour Minister, K. Chandrashekhar Rao. However, bureaucratic red tape and land acquisition issues stalled progress for years, leaving workers dependent on a couple of ESI dispensaries and having to travel to Coimbatore for advanced medical care.
Despite the ESIC purchasing land in 2012 for the hospital’s construction, legal disputes over compensation delayed the project further. Even after the foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2019, construction didn’t commence until 2021, with funding finally secured from the Union Labour and Employment Ministry.
Tiruppur, a hub for garment manufacturing, employs over four lakh ESIC members, far surpassing the capacity of existing healthcare facilities. With the new hospital, equipped with three operation theatres and plans for a dedicated labour ward, healthcare access will be greatly enhanced for the region’s insured persons.
The significance of this hospital extends beyond mere healthcare provision. It reflects a commitment to the welfare of industrial workers, ensuring they receive adequate medical support mandated by law. Under ESIC norms, every employer with a minimum of ten employees must provide ESI coverage, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare for all workers.
As construction nears completion, the hospital is already operational with temporary staffing from ESIC Medical College and Hospital in Chennai. Recruitment for permanent positions is underway, with plans to have the facility fully functional within the next few months. Additionally, progress on staff quarters demonstrates a holistic approach towards accommodating the healthcare needs of both workers and medical professionals.
The commissioning of the ESIC Hospital in Tiruppur stands as a testament to the power of perseverance and collective advocacy. It underscores the crucial role of employee unions in voicing the health concerns of workers and holding authorities accountable for fulfilling promises made. As the region looks forward to the hospital’s full-fledged operation, it marks a significant milestone in prioritizing the well-being of industrial workers and their families.