Centre Initiates ESIC and AB-PMJAY Convergence to Serve 14.43 Crore Beneficiaries
Click to start listening
New Delhi, Nov 28 (NationPress) The Centre is initiating the convergence of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) with Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), a strategic move that will broaden medical care benefits to 14.43 Crore ESI beneficiaries, according to the Ministry of Labour and Employment on Thursday.
The ministry revealed that ESIC is dedicated to improving healthcare access for the workforce and their families under the leadership of Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya.
“By merging the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) with the Ayushman Bharat- Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), we aim to provide support to over 14.43 crore ESI beneficiaries and their families, enhancing their access to quality and comprehensive medical services throughout India,” the Ministry stated.
“This initiative is poised to cultivate a more productive workforce, contributing towards a ‘Viksit Bharat’,” it continued.
Once implemented, this initiative will allow ESIC beneficiaries to access secondary and tertiary healthcare services at more than 30,000 AB-PMJAY-empanelled hospitals across the country. The services will be available “with no financial ceilings on treatment costs,” mentioned Ashok Kumar Singh, DG, ESIC.
This collaboration is expected to enhance the availability and affordability of healthcare services for all beneficiaries. Additionally, charitable hospitals throughout the country will also be included for the treatment of the ESI beneficiaries, he added.
Presently, the ESI Scheme provides medical services through 165 hospitals, 1,590 dispensaries, 105 Dispensary cum Branch Offices (DCBOs), and approximately 2,900 empanelled private hospitals.
Over the past decade, the ESI scheme has been implemented in 687 districts out of 788 districts nationwide, an increase from 393 districts in 2014.
“By partnering with PMJAY, the ESI Scheme can now reach the remaining non-implemented districts, ensuring access to medical care,” the Ministry announced.
This initiative will “significantly improve the overall social security framework, foster health equity, and ensure that quality care is accessible to those in greatest need.”
