ESIC Hospital Inauguration and Social Security Expansion
Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the new Outpatient Department (OPD) Block of ESIC Hospital in Sanathnagar, Telangana, on July 14, 2026. The facility was constructed at a total cost of ₹211.13 crores and will serve over 12.3 lakh Insured Persons and beneficiaries across Telangana, specifically covering the districts of Hyderabad, Medchal–Malkajgiri, Sangareddy, Ranga Reddy, and Mahabubnagar.
The new OPD block spans a built-up area of 43,611.04 square meters and includes comprehensive outpatient services for General Medicine, ENT, Dentistry, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Pulmonology, Paediatrics, General Surgery, and AYUSH. Additionally, it features Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Radiology, Yoga facilities, 180 general beds distributed across three 60-bed wards, 25 ICU beds, 20 NICU beds, medical stores, and a Clinical Lecture Theatre.
Significant Growth in Social Security Coverage
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted substantial growth in social security coverage, noting that ESIC beneficiaries have doubled from approximately 7.5 crore a decade ago to over 15 crore currently. Citing International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates, he stated that social security coverage in India has expanded from 19% in 2014 to over 64% today, encompassing 94 crore people. This expansion is part of broader welfare initiatives including free food grains for over 80 crore beneficiaries and the construction of more than four crore pucca houses for eligible families.
Labour Reforms and Worker Welfare
The Minister emphasized the government's labour reforms, wherein four new Labour Codes have replaced 29 existing labour laws, creating a simplified and worker-centric framework. Key provisions include 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 instead of the previous five-year requirement. Dr. Mandaviya called for harmonious industrial relations between employers and employees to support national development goals.
During the event, construction workers who built the OPD block were honored for their contribution to nation-building, and cash benefits were disbursed to ESI beneficiaries, reinforcing the government's commitment to worker welfare.