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New Delhi, November 29 — The Ministry of Labour and Employment announced a significant step towards enhancing healthcare access by converging the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) with Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). The initiative, once implemented, is expected to benefit 14.43 crore ESI beneficiaries and their families by providing access to comprehensive medical care across India.
The convergence aims to integrate the strengths of both schemes, enabling ESI beneficiaries to avail of secondary and tertiary medical services at over 30,000 AB-PMJAY-empanelled hospitals nationwide. This will be in addition to the existing medical facilities under the ESI Scheme, which currently include 165 hospitals, 1,590 dispensaries, 105 Dispensary cum Branch Offices (DCBOs), and nearly 2,900 empanelled private hospitals.
“This initiative will empower India’s workforce with greater access to quality healthcare, fostering a productive labor force for a ‘Viksit Bharat,’” the Ministry stated.
Expanded Reach and Zero Financial Ceiling
Ashok Kumar Singh, Director General of ESIC, highlighted that beneficiaries will enjoy access to treatment without financial ceilings, ensuring affordability and accessibility. The collaboration will also include charitable hospitals, further expanding the healthcare network for ESI beneficiaries.
“The partnership is designed to boost the accessibility and affordability of healthcare services, enhancing the overall well-being of workers and their dependents,” Singh added.
Bridging Gaps in Healthcare Access
The ESI Scheme has seen significant expansion over the past decade, growing from 393 districts in 2014 to 687 districts out of India’s 788 districts today. The convergence with AB-PMJAY will enable the scheme to cover the remaining districts, addressing healthcare gaps in underserved regions.
Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya underscored the importance of the initiative, stating that it aligns with the government’s vision of a robust social security framework. “This move will significantly enhance the social security ecosystem, promote health equity, and ensure quality care for those who need it most,” he said.
Towards Comprehensive Coverage
With over 14.43 crore beneficiaries poised to benefit, the convergence between ESIC and AB-PMJAY marks a transformative step in India’s healthcare landscape. The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring universal health coverage and equitable access to medical services, strengthening the nation’s social security net.
