Patna: The Labour Resources Department of Bihar has announced a series of initiatives to improve healthcare services under the Employees State Insurance (ESI) Scheme. These plans were detailed during the 8th meeting of the State Executive Committee of the ESI Scheme, held on Wednesday and chaired by Deepak Anand, Secretary of the Labour Resources Department.
Senior officials present included the Special Secretary, Labour Resources Department; Director-in-Chief, Health Department, Bihar; Satyendra Prasad, Co-Member Secretary and Director of Medical Services, ESI Scheme Bihar; Regional Director of the Employees State Insurance Corporation, Patna; and representatives from the Building Construction and Finance departments, alongside employer and employee representatives.
The committee discussed comprehensive measures to improve health facilities available to insured persons and their dependents. It was announced that the newly formed Employees State Insurance Society will oversee the contractual appointment of doctors and paramedical staff across 17 hospitals under the ESI Scheme in Bihar.
One of the major infrastructure developments includes the upcoming construction of a 100-bed ESI hospital in Muzaffarpur, which is expected to significantly improve healthcare delivery in the region.
Addressing concerns raised by employee unions regarding low enrolment under the scheme, the committee resolved to intensify awareness efforts. This includes conducting regional publicity drives and special registration camps to encourage participation from unregistered employers and employees.
The Regional Director of the ESI Corporation highlighted the ongoing SPREE Yojana 2025, which runs from July 1 to December 31, offering unregistered employers an opportunity to enrol under the ESI scheme without penalties.
To further enhance healthcare access, the state government is actively identifying land to establish Dispensary-cum-Branch Offices (DCBOs) in each district. Land has been finalised in 12 districts, and construction is already underway in Gaya. The ESI Corporation is progressing with land acquisition and construction in the remaining districts.
