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In a major boost to India’s healthcare infrastructure, the government announced the establishment of 10 new medical colleges under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The decision, revealed on Tuesday, will strengthen medical education and healthcare services across the country. These colleges will be located in key cities including Andheri (Maharashtra), Basaidarapur (Delhi), Guwahati-Beltola (Assam), Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Ludhiana (Punjab), Naroda-Bapunagar (Gujarat), Noida and Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), and Ranchi (Jharkhand).
The move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Independence Day announcement of creating 75,000 new medical seats over the next five years. Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, who chaired a meeting of the ESI Corporation in New Delhi, said that the new colleges will play a vital role in expanding medical education opportunities and strengthening the healthcare workforce.
Expanding Healthcare Access
Along with the announcement of new medical colleges, Dr. Mandaviya shared other significant developments aimed at enhancing the services provided by ESIC. A major decision was made to extend the unemployment allowance scheme, Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna, until June 30, 2026. The scheme, originally introduced as a pilot project, provides relief to insured persons who become unemployed, offering them financial support during their transition period.
The ESIC also unveiled a Pan-India convergence programme with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), allowing ESIC beneficiaries to access medical care at empanelled hospitals under AB-PMJAY in underserved regions of the country. This initiative will bridge gaps in healthcare access, particularly in areas where ESIC medical facilities are limited or absent.
Boosting Medical Education and Recruitment
In addition to new medical colleges, the ESI Corporation approved the introduction of Para-medical and BSc (Nursing) courses in its existing medical colleges located in Alwar (Rajasthan), Bihta (Bihar), Faridabad (Haryana), Joka (West Bengal), K.K. Nagar (Tamil Nadu), Sanathnagar (Telangana), and Rajajinagar (Karnataka). These courses will help develop a skilled workforce, addressing the growing demand for healthcare professionals across India.
To further strengthen recruitment in the healthcare sector, the ministry announced that ESIC will adopt the Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET) conducted by AIIMS, streamlining the hiring process for Nursing Officers. This policy shift aligns ESIC’s recruitment framework with that of premier healthcare institutions like AIIMS, enhancing transparency and standardization in the hiring of nursing professionals.
A Comprehensive Vision for Health
These announcements underscore the government’s comprehensive vision for strengthening healthcare and medical education across the country. By establishing new ESIC medical colleges and enhancing access to healthcare services, the government aims to meet the growing demand for quality healthcare, while also providing critical support to vulnerable sections of society.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that these decisions will not only contribute to the creation of thousands of new medical seats but also expand healthcare access for millions of ESIC beneficiaries, especially in regions lacking sufficient medical infrastructure. The government’s multi-pronged approach is a testament to its commitment to improving public health outcomes and advancing medical education in India.
With these new developments, the ESI Corporation continues to play a pivotal role in expanding healthcare services and fostering a robust healthcare system for insured workers and their families across the nation.
