ESIC extends benefits to superannuated insured persons with
relaxed norms
The
Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) on Saturday decided to extend
medical benefits to superannuated insured persons with relaxed norms.
The
decision was taken at the 193rd meeting of ESIC under the chairmanship of Union
Minister Bhupender Yadav, a labour ministry statement said.
The
ESIC approved a proposal to provide medical benefits to the insured
superannuating workers who went out of the ESI Scheme coverage due to exceeding
the wage ceiling, if the worker was under insurable employment for at least 5
years before superannuation/ voluntary retirement, it stated.
The
persons who were in the insurable employment for at least 5 years after April
1, 2012 and superannuated/voluntarily retired on or after April 1, 2017 with
wages up to Rs 30,000 per month will be benefitted under the new scheme.
To
augment the service delivery mechanism in North-Eastern states to fulfil the
vision of Act East Policy of the government, the ESIC relaxed the existing
norms for establishment of dispensaries, medical infrastructure/regional/sub
regional offices in NE states including Sikkim.
To
promote holistic wellbeing of ESI beneficiaries, a new policy on AYUSH 2023 in
ESIC institutions was adopted during the meeting.
The
policy details the establishment of Panchkarma, Kshara Sutra and AYUSH units in
ESIC hospitals.
During
the meeting, to strengthen the infrastructure of medical care, approval for
acquisition of lands for construction of 100-bed hospitals each at Udupi,
Karnataka; Idukki, Kerala and 150-bed hospital at Malerkotla, Punjab was also
accorded.
Concessions/facilities
for non-IPs (insured persons) to avail ESI healthcare services at nil user
charges at ESIC medical colleges and hospitals at Alwar, Rajasthan and Bihta,
Bihar have been extended till March 31, 2025.
The
Revised Estimates 2023-24, Budget Estimates 2024-25 and Performance Budget
2024-25 of ESIC were adopted by the ESIC during the meeting.
During
the meeting, Yadav said that overall improvements have been made in the service
delivery mechanism of the ESIC by building and increasing capacity, renovation
& construction of medical infrastructure throughout the country and
adopting robust policies.
He
further said the quantum and magnitude of efforts made to extend the social
security benefits to the vulnerable workforce of the country should always be
strengthened.
Labour
Secretary Arti Ahuja suggested formulation of a standardised plan for
disbursement of cash benefits, medical benefits, and construction management
for enhanced service delivery.
A
book on HR norms of the ESIC was also released on the occasion by Yadav.
www.business-standard.com dt. 12.02.2024