Government announces establishment of 10 new ESIC medical colleges

The government will establish ten new ESIC medical colleges, a decision that aligns with the Prime Minister's announcement during the Independence Day (2024) speech regarding the creation of 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years, as stated by the ministry.

In Short

• 10 new ESIC medical colleges are set to be established across the country soon
• The unemployment allowance scheme for ESI members extends until June 2026
• ESIC beneficiaries receive medical care under Ayushman Bharat programme

The Union government announced plans to establish 10 new ESIC medical colleges and extend the unemployment allowance scheme for members of the ESI Corporation until June 2026, according to the Labour and Employment Ministry on Tuesday.

During a meeting of the ESI Corporation, Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya revealed several important decisions aimed at enhancing the infrastructure and medical facilities of ESIC, as stated in a ministry release.

Mandaviya announced the establishment of ten new ESIC Medical Colleges in different locations across the country.

This initiative aligns with the Prime Minister's commitment, made during the Independence Day (2024) speech, to create 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years, according to the ministry.

Additionally, he has extended the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna for another two years, effective from July 1, 2024, until June 30, 2026.

Launched in 2018, the scheme aims to offer support through an Unemployment Allowance for insured individuals while they seek new employment opportunities. Furthermore, it was decided to extend medical care to ESIC beneficiaries through a convergence programme with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) on a nationwide scale.

There will be no expenditure limit for insured individuals of ESIC in empanelled hospitals under PMJAY.

(With inputs from PTI)