An ESI hospital specifically catering to the needs of laborers is on the horizon for Bellary district. In 2017, the central government had previously announced the establishment of six new ESI hospitals across Karnataka.
Labor Minister Santosh Lad recently addressed the impending construction of this much-anticipated ESI Hospital in Bellary. He indicated that a suitable location has been earmarked for the hospital’s development, a long-standing demand in the district. A formal proposal is in the works, which will soon be presented to the central government for their consideration.
This significant announcement was made following a meeting held by the minister with key officials and local representatives at the Bellary Collectorate. Minister Lad reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the welfare of workers and ensuring their access to all legally mandated facilities.
During the meeting, the issue of child labor was also raised, with concerns about its increasing prevalence. Minister Lad stressed the need for a collaborative effort involving various government departments, organizations, and the media to raise awareness about this issue. He further emphasized the importance of identifying and eliminating instances of child labor, ensuring that affected children are provided with educational opportunities.
The demand for an ESI Hospital in Bellary district was notably raised by the local representatives, particularly citing the presence of numerous rice mills in Siruguppa taluk and the significant labor force in the area. In response, Siruguppa MLA B. M. Nagaraj asserted the need for an ESI hospital to address the healthcare requirements of these laborers. Minister Santosh Lad reassured those present that the location for the hospital has already been identified, and the government is committed to progressing in accordance with the law.
As per the 2017 announcement by Union Minister of State for Labor and Employment, Bandaru Dattatreya, Bellary is among the locations designated for a 100-bed capacity ESI hospital. Other locations include Shimoga, Harohalli in Mysore, Narasapura in Kolar, and the upgrade of 50-bed capacity ESI Hospitals in Hubli and Davangere to 100 beds.
Bellary has witnessed a transformation since the Supreme Court’s ban on illegal mining, making strides in various sectors, including healthcare and education. The impending construction of the ESI Hospital will address the longstanding need for healthcare facilities for workers, particularly those affected by the mining activities in the region. The proposed plan is awaiting submission to the central government for approval, bringing hope for improved healthcare services to the area.