Question : Casual Workers

(a)whether the number of beneficiaries availing services/facilities at Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Hospitals/dispensaries in the country is on the rise and if so, the details thereof;
(b)whether the Government proposes to provide more facilities and expand the existing facilities at ESI hospitals/dispensaries in view of the said increase;
(c)if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken/proposed to be taken in this regard; and
(d)whether the Government proposes to cover casual workers under the Employees State Insurance Act and if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI BANDARU DATTATREYA)

(a) to (d): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

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STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.18 FOR 25.04.2016 BY SHRIMATI K. MARAGATHAM REGARDING CASUAL WORKERS.
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(a): Yes, Madam. There has been a rise in the number of beneficiaries availing services/facilities at Employees State Insurance (ESI) hospitals/dispensaries in the country. The details are placed at Annexure.

(b) & (c): Yes, Madam. ESI Corporation has taken a number of initiatives for better delivery of medical facilities at ESI hospitals/dispensaries, which are being implemented throughout the country.

Steps taken for up-gradation/modernization of hospitals and dispensaries, are as under:

• To make available electronic health records of patients.
• Upgradation of dispensaries to 6 bedded set-up.
• Change of hospitals bed sheets on daily basis.
• 24x7 medical helpline
• Evening OPD for senior citizen & differently abled patients.
• Cancer detection/ treatment facilities.
• Cardiology treatment facilities.
• Dialysis facilities.
• Complete immunization facilities.
• Telemedicine facilities.
• Ayush facilities.

(d): All workers, whether employed on temporary, casual or contract basis, are coverable for benefits under the ESI Act, if they are engaged in an unit covered under ESI Act 1948 and are drawing wages upto Rs. 15,000/- per month.