Should the Income Eligibility Limit for ESIS Beneficiaries Be Revised?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Maharashtra's Health Minister is pressing for an increase in the income eligibility limit for ESIS beneficiaries to improve access and coverage. This initiative follows a meeting with Union Minister Mandaviya, focusing on enhancing healthcare services across the state. Will this change reshape public healthcare for millions of workers?
Key Takeaways
- Call for revision of income eligibility limit for ESIS beneficiaries.
- Current limit is set at Rs 21,000 monthly.
- Proposed increase to Rs 30,000 to enhance access.
- Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya assures support for healthcare improvements.
- 15 ESIS hospitals and 450 private hospitals currently operational in Maharashtra.
New Delhi, July 18 (NationPress) Maharashtra's Health Minister Prakash Abitkar has called upon Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to reconsider the income eligibility threshold for beneficiaries of the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) in the state.
The ESIC serves as a social security initiative aimed at supporting employees in the organized sector who earn lower incomes.
In an effort to improve public healthcare services, Union Minister Mandaviya convened a meeting to evaluate the status of ESIS hospitals throughout Maharashtra.
According to media reports, the Union Minister expressed his commitment to a revision during his discussions with Abitkar in the national capital.
This meeting, which included senior officials, also addressed the existing conditions of the ESIS hospitals within the state.
The focus was on enhancing healthcare services for insured workers and expediting the resolution of pending issues, as stated in a release made on Thursday.
Currently, the income eligibility limit for ESIS beneficiaries stands at Rs 21,000 per month. Abitkar has proposed that this be increased to Rs 30,000 monthly, which he believes would allow more workers to access the scheme and broaden its coverage across the state.
Additionally, the Maharashtra Minister has requested further funds from the Centre to improve healthcare facilities for workers and their families.
In response, Mandaviya assured that ongoing construction and operational challenges at ESIC hospitals in Andheri, Kolhapur, and Ulhasnagar would be resolved promptly.
Expressing a desire to personally visit the ESIS hospital in Andheri, the Union Minister also proposed a comprehensive evaluation meeting to assess all ESIC hospitals in Maharashtra.
“This meeting will enhance efforts to fortify ESIC healthcare facilities across Maharashtra and ensure improved medical services for insured workers,” declared Abitkar.
The state currently operates 15 ESIS hospitals along with 450 empanelled private hospitals. Furthermore, there are 134 service dispensaries catering to nearly 4.87 million insured workers and their families.
Point of View
The ongoing discussions around the ESIS income eligibility limit reflect a larger trend towards improving social security for lower-income workers. The proactive stance taken by Maharashtra's Health Minister highlights the urgent need for reforms in public healthcare. The collaboration between state and central authorities could set a precedent for healthcare improvements nationwide.
NationPress
19/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current income eligibility limit for ESIS beneficiaries?
The current income eligibility limit for ESIS beneficiaries is Rs 21,000 per month.
What is the proposed income limit by Maharashtra's Health Minister?
Maharashtra's Health Minister has proposed to increase the income limit to Rs 30,000 per month.
How many ESIS hospitals are there in Maharashtra?
Maharashtra currently has 15 ESIS hospitals.
What is the purpose of the Employees' State Insurance Scheme?
The ESIC is designed to provide social security to employees in the organized sector with lower incomes.
What was the focus of the recent meeting between Abitkar and Mandaviya?
The meeting focused on improving healthcare services for insured workers and addressing operational challenges faced by ESIS hospitals.
