Hyderabad: Labour and Employment Minister Dr. G Vivek Venkatswamy said ESIC Foundation Day reflected B. R. Ambedkar’s vision to protect workers’ rights and ensure social security.
He delivered the keynote address at the ESIC Foundation Day event at Sanathnagar ESI Hospital on Tuesday. According to him, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation safeguarded minimum wages and provided health assurance to lakhs of working-class families.
Recalling his family’s long link with labour welfare, he said his father had served as both Union and State Labour Minister. Over the years, ESI hospitals have improved infrastructure and medical facilities, he noted.
Moreover, he urged doctors to build confidence and courage among patients while providing treatment. Although government hospitals often face criticism, ESI hospitals have received very few complaints, he said.
He stressed that education and healthcare remain the most critical needs of the poor. At a time when corporate hospitals charge high fees, ESI institutions deliver quality treatment at affordable costs, he added.
ESIC Foundation Day push for expanded services
Meanwhile, Dr. Vivek said the State Government was working to strengthen medical services for workers. In this regard, he said the Chief Minister had responded positively to a proposal to allot land for a new ESI hospital at Shamshabad. Once completed, the facility will benefit a large number of workers.
In the districts, the ESI hospital in Chennur expanded from 50 beds and now functions at full capacity. Additionally, the Cabinet discussed a proposal to cancel 18 ESIC dispensaries. However, it decided to proceed with their construction instead.
Highlighting a milestone, he said doctors conducted organ transplantation surgeries at the ESI Hospital. He also appreciated organ donors for their contribution.
Finally, Dr. Vivek assured that the government would extend full support to expand and strengthen ESI services across the State. Principal Secretary Dana Kishore and ESIC Regional Director Rajeev Lal attended the event.
