Fernandes assures social and health security to workers

Baddi (HP), Jun 10 (UNI) To ensure social and health security to the industrial workers in the country, the Union Government has started many welfare schemes which are mainly implemented through Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).

This was disclosed by Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Oscar Fernandes while addressing a gathering on the occasion of foundation stone laying ceremony of the first 100 bedded ESIC Model Hospital in Himachal Pradesh in this industrial township here today.

While elaborating the facilities given by the government to the workers, Mr Fernandes said government was committed to the welfare of the employees particularly of the industrial workers. He informed that Central government had started three welfare schemes for the poor classes, which include Aam Adami Beema Yojana, Pension Scheme upto the age of 65 years and Rashtriya Swasthya Beema Yojana.

These schemes are provided insurance and pension cover to the BPL families.

He further said government was also providing medical facilities to the workers, right from the primary health care to super specialty treatment along with cash benefit disbursements through ESIC. He said the government was also focussing on the health maintenance of the workers by providing preventive medicines in routine.

He maintained that health services through ESICs was being modernised and upgraded to meet the international standards.

Mr Fernandes stated that to provide specialised health services, the Government in the next two years was initiating the process of starting medical colleges and post-graduate courses for medical and paramedical staff. Computerisation was also being undertaken to increase the efficiency in delivery of hassle free services.

Giving details of the ESI Scheme in Himachal Pradesh, he said the scheme which was started in some areas of Solan district from June 1977, was now being extended to 77,000 employees working in 2992 factories and establishments in the state. Presently, ESI dispensaries are functioning at Shimla, Solan, Parwanoo, Paonta Sahib, Kala Amb, Baddi, Barotiwala, Nalagarh and Mehatpur.

Regarding the ESIC hospital at Baddi, the Minister said all amenities would be provided. At present, there are about 1800 employers covering about 55,000 employees in the industrial areas of Baddi, Barotiwala and Nalagarh.

The proposed ESIC Model Hospital here with an initial capacity of 50 beds, with provision to increase the bed strength to 100 is aimed to cater to the needs of the employees and family members of Himachal Pradesh.

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