The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) on November 28th 2024 embarked on a major collaboration with Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), two of the largest health service providers in India, to improve medical care access for over 14.43 crore ESI beneficiaries and their families.
This initiative, aimed at expanding healthcare coverage, is a significant step towards the government’s goal of ensuring social security for workers and their dependents while promoting a more productive workforce.
What is the Collaboration About?
Under the guidance of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the Minister of Labour and Employment, ESIC is working to integrate its healthcare facilities with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This partnership will allow ESIC beneficiaries to access secondary and tertiary medical services at more than 30,000 AB-PMJAY-empanelled hospitals nationwide, with no financial ceilings on treatment costs.
Key Benefits of the Convergence
- Increased Access to Healthcare: This collaboration will provide beneficiaries with expanded access to quality medical services across the country. They will be able to avail themselves of comprehensive healthcare, including expensive tertiary treatments, at hospitals linked to AB-PMJAY.
- No Financial Barriers: A major advantage of this partnership is that treatment expenses will be fully covered, removing financial barriers to healthcare for workers and their families.
- Inclusion of Charitable Hospitals: Along with government and private hospitals, charitable hospitals across India will also be empanelled for treatment of ESI beneficiaries, further widening the healthcare access.
What About Existing Healthcare Infrastructure?
The existing ESI Scheme, which is managed through a network of 165 hospitals, 1,590 dispensaries, and 2,900 empanelled private hospitals, will continue to operate. However, the integration with AB-PMJAY will supplement and strengthen the services provided under the ESI scheme, offering additional coverage for secondary and tertiary care.
Expanding Healthcare Coverage Nationwide
The ESI Scheme has seen significant growth, with its implementation now covering 687 districts, compared to just 393 districts in 2014. With the collaboration with AB-PMJAY, this reach will extend to more non-implemented districts, ensuring that medical care is available even in the remotest areas of the country.
A Major Boost to Social Security
This convergence between ESIC and AB-PMJAY is expected to enhance India’s overall social security ecosystem. By promoting health equity, it ensures that even the most vulnerable populations, particularly in the working class, will have access to quality healthcare. This initiative aligns with the government’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), fostering a healthier, more productive workforce.
As the government continues to expand these efforts, the collaboration between ESIC and AB-PMJAY promises to be a game-changer in the pursuit of a more inclusive and accessible healthcare system in India
