Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, inaugurated the new OPD Block of ESIC Hospital, Sanathnagar in Telangana, built at a total cost of Rs. 211.13 crores. The facility will cater to over 12.3 lakh Insured Persons and beneficiaries across Telangana, specifically covering Hyderabad, Medchal–Malkajgiri, Sangareddy, Ranga Reddy and Mahabubnagar districts.
The Minister highlighted significant expansion 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 estimates, he stated that social security coverage in India has expanded from 19% in 2014 to over 64% today, encompassing 94 crore people.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized the government's worker-centric reforms, noting that four Labour Codes have replaced 29 existing labour laws, introducing provisions including mandatory appointment letters, annual free health check-ups for workers above 40 years, equal wages for men and women, and gratuity eligibility after one year of service.
The new OPD Block at ESIC Medical College & Hospital spans 43,611.04 sqm and includes comprehensive outpatient services for General Medicine, ENT, Dentistry, Obs & Gynae, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics, Psychiatry, Dermatology, Pulmonology, Paediatrics, General Surgery and AYUSH, along with Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Radiology, Yoga facilities. The hospital also features 180 general beds in three 60-bed wards, 25 ICU beds, 20 NICU beds, medical stores, and a Clinical Lecture Theatre.
During the event, the Minister honoured construction workers who built the facility and disbursed cash benefits to ESI beneficiaries, reinforcing the government's commitment to worker welfare and the principle of 'Shramev Jayate' – placing workforce dignity at the heart of national progress.