Two Major Healthcare Schemes Unite: ESIC and AB-PMJAY Collaboration to Benefit 14.43 Crore Indians

In a groundbreaking move to strengthen healthcare access for India's workforce, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is merging its efforts with the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This collaboration aims to provide enhanced medical services to over 14.43 crore ESIC beneficiaries and their families, making quality healthcare more accessible and inclusive.

Enhanced Access to Healthcare

Importantly, these services will be provided without any financial caps on treatment costs, ensuring that patients receive the care they need without financial strain.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Labour and Employment, described the initiative as a significant leap toward social security, emphasizing that accessible healthcare is crucial for building a productive and prosperous nation.

Key Highlights of the Initiative

• Beneficiary Impact: Over 14.43 crore ESIC beneficiaries and their families will benefit.

• Expanded Network: Access to more than 30,000 hospitals empanelled under AB-PMJAY, alongside existing ESIC facilities.

• Comprehensive Care: Secondary and tertiary medical services with no financial ceilings.

• Wider Coverage: Extension of ESIC services to remaining districts across India.

• Charitable Hospitals: Inclusion of charitable institutions to increase service options.

Expanded Medical Network

Under this initiative, ESIC's existing infrastructure—which includes 165 hospitals, 1,590 dispensaries, 105 Dispensary cum Branch Offices (DCBOs), and nearly 2,900 empanelled private hospitals—will continue to operate. The additional facilities under AB-PMJAY will complement this network, creating a more robust and far-reaching healthcare system.

Additionally, charitable hospitals nationwide are being included in the network to offer treatment to ESIC beneficiaries, broadening the range of healthcare services available.

Extending Coverage Nationwide

The ESI Scheme currently operates in 687 districts out of 788 nationwide, a significant increase from 393 districts in 2014.

The partnership with AB-PMJAY will facilitate the extension of healthcare services to non-implemented districts, ensuring that beneficiaries in remote or underserved regions are not left out.

During a recent review of the initiative, Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary of Labour & Employment, noted that the collaboration has the potential to transform healthcare accessibility, especially in areas lacking adequate medical infrastructure.

Driving Toward a 'Viksit Bharat'

The Director General of ESIC, Ashok Kumar Singh, expressed confidence that the partnership would empower workers and their families by providing affordable and comprehensive medical care. He noted that the removal of financial ceilings on treatment costs ensures equitable healthcare for all beneficiaries.

This convergence aligns with the government's vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), where health equity and inclusive growth are prioritized.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr. Sreelekshmi P/MSM)