ESIC to Launch 10 New Medical Colleges Across India to Strengthen Healthcare Access

New Delhi, April 24, 2025 In a significant move aimed at bolstering public healthcare infrastructure and expanding access to medical education, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has announced plans to establish 10 new medical colleges across India. The initiative targets underprivileged and underserved regions, aligning with the government’s broader vision of healthcare equity.

Locations of New ESIC Medical Colleges

The new colleges will be established in the following cities:

• Pune

• Manesar

• Kollam

• Surat

• Visakhapatnam

• Bhubaneswar

• Asansol

• Nagpur

• Pandunagar

• Margaon

These additions will complement ESIC’s existing medical education network in Andheri, Basaidarapur, Guwahati-Beltola, Indore, Jaipur, Ludhiana, Naroda-Bapunagar, Noida, Varanasi, and Ranchi.

Integration with Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY

In a parallel move, ESIC is set to integrate with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY). This merger will allow ESIC beneficiaries to avail cashless medical treatment in PMJAY-empaneled hospitals across India, especially in areas where ESIC facilities are not present.

Key Benefits of the Integration:

• Removal of current cap on medical reimbursements

• Nationwide access to cashless treatment

• Uniform healthcare delivery model for ESIC-insured individuals

Elevating Standards of Public Medical Education

According to Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the goal is to establish institutions that set new benchmarks in public medical education and healthcare delivery. These schools will feature:

• Modern infrastructure

• Well-equipped facilities

• Experienced medical faculty

• Advanced patient care practices

In tandem, reforms to enhance transparency and accountability in ESIC-run institutions are also underway.

What’s Next?

Though approval in principle has been secured during the 194th meeting of ESIC, crucial steps remain:

• Finalization of detailed project reports

• Identification of land

• Funding allocations

• Construction timelines

The Union Labour Ministry is expected to work closely with state governments and stakeholders to fast-track implementation.

Impact on Healthcare and Employment

This initiative is poised to:

• Expand access to affordable healthcare for ESIC members

• Create hundreds of teaching and administrative jobs

• Boost the availability of trained medical professionals in underserved areas