SRINAGAR, Jan 29: Shobha Karandlaje, the Union Minister of State (MoS) for the Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Labour, and Employment, presided over a meeting to assess the progress of the construction of a 100-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital at the SIDCO Industrial Complex in Ompora, Budgam.
The construction project, which is expected to cost Rs 160 crore, aims to incorporate advanced healthcare amenities, including OPD, IPD, ICU, wards, diagnostic laboratories, an operating theater, disaster management facilities, and an independent sub-station. Furthermore, specialized surgery and psychiatric departments will be established, staffed by expert doctors and well-trained personnel available 24/7.
The Union Minister described the hospital as a significant advancement in enhancing healthcare infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir. She emphasized that the facility is being developed to offer world-class healthcare services under ESIC, thereby reinforcing the preventive, primary, and secondary healthcare framework in the region.
She urged the authorities to ensure the project’s completion within the designated timeline and warned against any delays. During her visit, she inspected all health facilities under construction that are designed for 23 specialties within the hospital.
Shobha Karandlaje stated that Jammu and Kashmir currently hosts over 6000 industries covered under the ESI Act, providing benefits to more than 133,000 insured individuals and their dependents through the Jammu Branch Office and five other dispensary branches located in Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Katra, and Srinagar. This hospital will cater to a significant population registered under the ESI Act.
She added that the new hospital will enhance healthcare services throughout the region, offering around-the-clock access to surgery and psychiatric specialists.
The facility is anticipated to benefit thousands of industrial workers and their families associated with nearly 600 factories and institutions recognized under the ESI Act. The ESIC system will cover all medical and hospitalization expenses, including referrals to tertiary care hospitals, along with a range of insurance protections for death and disability.
“The hospital is set to be constructed in a manner similar to those in major cities to ensure high-quality care for locals. Our aim is to provide improved healthcare services to marginalized segments of society at affordable prices,” emphasized another official. They also noted that treatment costs would be regulated to ensure accessibility to those in need.
The official further mentioned that SIDCO has secured 40 kanals of land for the hospital’s construction. “The facility is strategically designed to facilitate efficient patient care during emergencies, equipped with necessary personnel, equipment, and multiple operating rooms. Approximately 23 specialists will be available at the hospital,” the official stated.
Dushyant Pande, the Regional Director of ESIC, J&K, was present at the event along with engineers from CPWD and IEDS Joint Director.
