Yogi govt to set up ESI medical colleges in Greater Noida and Varanasi to boost worker healthcare

Lucknow : Under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Labour and Employment Department of Uttar Pradesh is significantly expanding healthcare facilities for workers and their families under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme. As part of this initiative, the state government has approved the construction of new ESI hospitals in Meerut, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, and Greater Noida, and plans to establish new Employees State Insurance Corporation medical colleges in Greater Noida and Varanasi.

Currently, the ESI scheme provides insured workers with primary and secondary healthcare, super-specialty treatment, and emergency medical services. Referrals to government medical colleges and district hospitals are made under the scheme, and reimbursement is provided for treatment at private facilities.

A network of 109 empaneled private hospitals across the state ensures cashless treatment for beneficiaries. In addition, health camps are being organized to promote disease prevention and awareness, with free TB testing and treatment available through DOTS centers. The scheme also covers medical leave certification.

The Yogi government has prioritized the expansion and modernization of healthcare infrastructure to better serve the state’s labor force. Construction of new hospitals in Meerut, Shahjahanpur, and Bareilly is progressing rapidly. For proposed hospitals in Gorakhpur and Greater Noida, land has already been allocated by the respective industrial development authorities. The establishment of ESI medical colleges in Greater Noida and Varanasi will not only enhance medical education, but also ensure access to advanced healthcare services for workers and their families. Furthermore, 12 new dispensaries are in the pipeline to improve last-mile access to primary care.

Under the PIP plan for FY 2024-25, the ESI Corporation has approved Rs 237.5 lakh, and for FY 2025-26, Rs 80.9 lakh for the procurement of modern medical equipment. Additionally, the e-Office system went live on April 1, bringing transparency and efficiency to administrative processes. A cadre review for ESI medical officers, similar to that for doctors in the state health department, has also been initiated to improve service delivery.

With these reforms, Uttar Pradesh is emerging as a national leader in industrial development and worker welfare. These initiatives will not only secure the health and well-being of the working class, but also accelerate the state’s march toward the vision of a self-reliant India.

The Yogi government has also achieved notable progress under the Factories Act, with the number of registered factories rising to 27,453, nearly doubling in the past nine years. Digital reforms such as online registration, auto-renewals, and real-time inspection monitoring have created a business-friendly environment. The Labour Department has achieved 4th rank in the A+ category on the Darpan Dashboard, 2nd position in e-Office performance, and recognition as a ‘Top Achiever’ in the BRAP (Business Reforms Action Plan) rankings.