Workers’ welfare, healthcare access, and social security are key priorities for the Gujarat government, as stated by Labour, Skill Development, and Employment Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya at the 93rd Regional Council Meeting of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) in Gandhinagar. The meeting, led by Bavaliya and State Minister Kantilal Amrutiya, focused on the implementation of the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme and the quality of healthcare services for insured individuals. Bavaliya highlighted the direct link between industrial growth, employment opportunities, and the well-being of workers.
Addressing the ESIC Board meeting, Bavaliya underscored the importance of providing adequate healthcare facilities, medical services, and social security to support the state’s development foundation. He praised the efforts of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in prioritizing labor welfare in Gujarat. Bavaliya mentioned the implementation of various welfare schemes aimed at offering social security, health protection, and economic empowerment to workers.
The minister also discussed the significance of the new Labour Codes and Social Security Code introduced by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, emphasizing the benefits for workers in both organized and unorganized sectors. He highlighted digital initiatives like the e-Shram portal, which simplifies worker registration and access to benefits, making the process more transparent and efficient.
Bavaliya shared details of ESIC’s annual health check-up initiative launched on May 7, offering free health screenings to insured workers aged 40 and above nationwide. This initiative aims to facilitate early detection and timely treatment of critical illnesses. He mentioned the inauguration of the ‘Model Hospital’ in Ahmedabad’s Bapunagar area as a significant step toward enhancing healthcare facilities for workers.
During the meeting, discussions revolved around enhancing the quality of healthcare services under the ESI scheme in Gujarat, ensuring prompt medical treatment for insured persons, and improving medical infrastructure. Bavaliya urged officials to prioritize measures that guarantee quality healthcare services for insured individuals and their dependents, emphasizing the broader objective of ESIC to provide social security and healthcare facilities for workers and their families.
Officials also stressed the importance of improving awareness and communication to ensure insured workers are well-informed about available schemes and benefits, while reviewing ongoing projects, healthcare infrastructure enhancements, and digital service expansion.
