Centre planning to set up ESI hospitals in all districts of the country

The government is planning to set up ESI hospitals in all the districts in the country. Currently, there are over 450 ESI hospitals across the country and plans are afoot to set up hospitals in other districts too. The government has initiated several measures to provide monthly pension to the workers in unorganized sector. The Centre, was committed to the welfare of the labor force in the country and has introduced two bills in the Lok Sabha, related to wage and occupational safety of workers. Steps would be taken to ensure that there is no dearth of doctors or para medical staff at ESI hospitals.

The government has reduced the contribution under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act from 6.5 percent to 4 percent. This move is expected to increase the take-home salary of workers as well as reduce the financial burden of employers.