Inauguration by Union Minister on April 24
Irfan Tramboo
SRINAGAR, Apr 22: Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, will inaugurate a newly constructed 30-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital at Ompora in Budgam district on April 24.
The facility, which is expandable to 100 beds, is expected to significantly strengthen healthcare delivery under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme in J&K, benefiting over 50,000 workers and their family members in the region.
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Built at an estimated cost of Rs 165 crore, the hospital complex has been developed on five acres and comprises a hospital block, service building and 32 residential quarters, with a total plinth area of around 24,500 square metres.
Authorities said the hospital will initially operate with 30 beds, with plans to scale up capacity in phases.
The hospital is equipped with three modular operation theatres and a dedicated emergency OT for critical and planned procedures.
It also features four patient lifts, a modern HVAC system, and eco-friendly infrastructure including solar water heating and sewage and effluent treatment plants.
In a symbolic gesture, the Union Minister will also honour construction workers involved in the project during the inauguration ceremony.
Prospective beneficiaries in Budgam and other areas said the facility would address long-standing gaps in accessible healthcare under the ESI scheme.
“For even basic treatment under ESI, we often had to travel to Srinagar and sometimes outside the district. This hospital will make a big difference for workers like us,” said a private-sector employee enrolled under the scheme.
Another insured worker said proximity to healthcare would encourage timely treatment.
“Many workers delay medical care because of distance and costs. With a hospital in Budgam, it will be easier for our families to get treatment without hardship,” he said.
A factory worker from the district termed the development “much needed,” saying, “We contribute to the scheme every month. Having a proper hospital nearby ensures we actually benefit from it.”
Officials said the ESI scheme, introduced in J&K in October 1989 with coverage of around 7,000 workers, has expanded significantly over the years.
At present, it covers over 1.83 lakh insured persons and around 7 lakh beneficiaries across all districts of the Union Territory.
As per officials, the primary healthcare services under the scheme are currently delivered through dispensary-cum-branch offices and ESIS dispensaries across Srinagar, Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur and Budgam, while secondary care is provided at the 50-bedded ESIC Model Hospital at Bari-Brahmana in Samba, along with tie-ups with private healthcare institutions for specialised treatment.
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