Dr. Mandaviya today inaugurates Employees’ ESIC Hospital

Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya today inaugurated a 30-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital at Ompora, Budgam, strengthening healthcare access and social security infrastructure for workers and their families in Jammu & Kashmir. The newly inaugurated hospital is the first ESIC hospital in Kashmir, marking a historic milestone in the expansion of worker welfare services in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya said, “A country that values the dignity of its workers is unstoppable on the path of progress.” It is the workforce whose tireless effort that takes the nation forward, and the welfare of workers must therefore remain at the centre of governance, he added. “The Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is committed to ensuring dignity, security and healthcare for every worker in the country,” he emphasised.

Built at a cost of ₹165 crore, the hospital has been established with provision for expansion up to 100 beds and is expected to directly benefit more than 50,000 workers and their family members. The ESI Scheme was introduced in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on 16th October 1989, covering about 7,000 workers in Jammu, Kathua, and Srinagar. At present, the ESI Scheme is implemented across all districts of J&K UT serving approximately 1,83,119 insured persons and about 7,00,000 beneficiaries and is administered through the ESIC Regional Office at Jammu and the Jammu-Kashmir Employees’ State Insurance Society (JKESIS).(UPDATED ON 24TH APRIL 2026)