A major development is underway for Belagavi’s workforce as a 100-bedded, state-of-the-art ESI hospital has been approved with a Rs 152 crore tender now called for its construction. This new facility aims to replace the existing outdated infrastructure, offering improved healthcare services to the region’s large worker population. Union Minister of State for Labor and Industries, Shobha Karandlaje, assured that the current hospital’s condition will soon be a thing of the past, as a modern healthcare facility will rise in its place.
During her visit to the ESI Hospital in Ashoknagar, Belagavi, Minister Karandlaje conducted a detailed inspection of the premises, accompanied by MP Iranna Kadadi, MLA Abhay Patil, former MLA Anil Benke, and Superintendent Mahantesh Kalsannavar. Touring departments like the OPD, pharmacy, and doctors’ chambers, the minister discussed the hospital’s immediate needs with officials.
With the current ESI hospital occupying just three and a half acres, local MLAs have proposed relocating it closer to the industrial estate to better serve the workforce. This move is under active consideration, with further deliberations expected in Delhi.
Minister Karandlaje highlighted Belagavi’s industrial significance, noting that the district is home to large-scale industries and a workforce exceeding 3.5 lakh, including workers from Karnataka’s border with Maharashtra. The new hospital, set to offer double the current bed capacity, will address the growing healthcare demands of these workers.
Currently, the facility provides only basic day treatment, with patients referred elsewhere for specialized care due to a shortage of specialists and critical services. Minister Karandlaje emphasized the importance of integrating the ESI and Ayushman cards to expand access to treatments at designated hospitals and improve healthcare services for ESI beneficiaries.
The new hospital project marks a significant step forward in enhancing healthcare support for the region’s workforce, promising better facilities, improved specialist availability, and comprehensive healthcare provisions for workers and their families.
The ESI hospital is looking overdue
Kudos to the team who moved this file forward
However if someone can highlight the exact amount of ESI being paid by Belgaum district industrial units it’ll be an eye-opener, given the amount of ESI already into the govt coffers tht industry should be getting 5 such hospitals by now
Aptly summarized !