Srinagar, Jan 29 (KNO): Union Minister of State (MoS) for Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), Labour and Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, Wednesday chaired a meeting to review construction of 100-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital at SIDCO Industrial Complex, Ompora, Budgam.
The hospital being constructed at a cost of Rs 160 crore would be equipped with modern healthcare facilities and will have OPD, IPD, ICU, Wards, Diagnostic Laboratories, Operation Theater, Disaster management facilities, in addition to an independent sub-station. Besides, Surgery and Psychiatric departments would be established in which specialist doctors and well trained staff will be made available round the clock.
The Union Minister termed the hospital as yet another step to boost healthcare infrastructure in J&K. He said the hospital is being constructed to provide world class healthcare facilities under ESIC to strengthen the preventive, primary and secondary health care ecosystem in J&K.
She directed the authorities to complete the project before the deadline while cautioning against any breach in set completion timelines. She visited all the health facilities under construction planned for 23 specialties in the hospital.
Shobha Karandlaje informed that there are more than 6000 industries and establishments in Jammu and Kashmir, under ESI Act and more than one lakh thirty three thousand insured people and their dependents are being given benefits in Jammu Branch Office and five Other Dispensary-Branches at Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Katra and Srinagar. This hospital will serve considerable population registered under ESI Act.
She added that the hospital would improve the healthcare facilities in the entire area with facility of surgery and psychiatric experts available round the clock.
The hospital is expected to benefit thousands of insured industrial workers and their families associated with around 600 factories and institutions designated under the ESI Act. The ESIC system will cover all medical and hospital expenses, including referrals to a territory care hospital, along with a range of insurance coverages for death and disability.
“The hospital is planned to be built in the same style as hospitals in metro cities to provide better treatment to the locals. The goal is to deliver better healthcare services to the disadvantaged elements of society at an affordable price,” another official highlighted. He added that treatment costs would be capped to ensure accessibility for those in need.
The official mentioned that SIDCO has acquired 40 kanal of land, which will be leased for the hospital’s construction. “The facility is strategically designed to ensure efficient patient care during emergencies, equipped with the necessary personnel, equipment and an ample number of operating rooms. Around 23 specialists will be available in the hospital,” the official said.
Dushyant Pande, Regional Director, ESIC, J&K, along with engineers of CPWD and IEDS Joint Director were present on the occasion—(KNO)