Lucknow : In a significant move aimed at strengthening healthcare access for industrial workers and their families, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government will establish new Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Medical Colleges in Greater Noida and Varanasi. This step is part of the government’s broader plan to modernize and expand healthcare infrastructure across the state under the ESI scheme.
According to officials from the Labour and Employment Department, construction is already underway for new ESI hospitals in Meerut, Bareilly, and Shahjahanpur, while land has been allocated for additional facilities in Gorakhpur and Greater Noida through respective industrial development authorities.
Cashless Healthcare at 109 Private Hospitals
The ESI scheme currently offers primary and secondary medical care, super-specialty treatments, and emergency services to registered workers and their families. Over 109 private hospitals across the state have been empaneled to provide cashless treatment, ensuring workers don’t bear out-of-pocket expenses.
Additionally, workers are being referred to government medical colleges and district hospitals for specialized care, with reimbursement available for treatment at non-ESI facilities. Regular health camps, TB diagnosis and treatment through DOTS centers, and medical leave certification services are also available under the scheme.
Modern Healthcare Equipment Approved
To equip the upcoming hospitals with the latest technology, the ESI Corporation has approved ₹237.50 lakh for 2024–25 and ₹80.90 lakh for 2025–26 for modern medical equipment. Furthermore, 12 new ESI dispensaries are being planned across the state to expand grassroots-level healthcare delivery.
The e-Office system, launched on April 1 at the Directorate level, has begun to digitize and streamline administrative operations. A cadre review of ESI medical officers, aligning them with provincial medical health service standards, is also in progress to ensure parity and enhance service quality.
Medical Education and Worker Welfare a Priority
Officials confirmed that the proposed ESI Medical Colleges in Greater Noida and Varanasi will not only enhance medical education capacity but also provide high-quality, affordable healthcare to insured workers. The move is expected to significantly improve healthcare accessibility in industrial hubs and attract skilled medical professionals to the region.
Uttar Pradesh: Fast Emerging as a Labour-Friendly State
The Yogi government’s aggressive push for labour welfare and industrial development is yielding results. As of now, 27,453 factories are registered under the Factories Act, reflecting nearly 100% growth over the past nine years. Digital reforms such as online registration, auto-renewals, and real-time inspection monitoring have created a favorable environment for businesses.
The Labour Department has secured the 4th position in the A+ category on the Darpan Dashboard, the 2nd rank in e-Office implementation, and a place in the ‘Top Achievers’ category of the BRAP (Business Reform Action Plan) rankings.
With robust digital initiatives, medical infrastructure upgrades, and pro-worker policies, Uttar Pradesh is rapidly emerging as a national leader in worker welfare and industrial transformation, bringing the state a step closer to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).
