India is providing health security through the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) to 25 crore people, Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Monday. He highlighted the scale of India's social security and welfare programmes while speaking at a national conference on industrial relations and labour.Key HighlightsMandaviya said ESIC provides health security to 25 crore people.He highlighted the government's wider social security programmes.The minister also spoke about food support reaching 80 crore people.ESIC has been expanding its healthcare infrastructure and services.Mandaviya Highlights ESIC CoverageSpeaking at the CII-EFI National Conference on Industrial Relations and Labour & Awards 2026 in New Delhi, Mandaviya spoke about the reach of government welfare programmes."He said ESIC is providing health security to 25 crore people. He also said that free food grains are being provided to 80 crore people."The figures were presented by the minister while discussing the wider social security system in the country.ESIC is a major social security organisation for workers and their families. It provides medical care and other benefits to eligible insured workers.ESIC Expands Healthcare ServicesThe government has taken several steps to expand ESIC healthcare services in recent months.In June 2026, the ESIC approved several measures to strengthen its hospitals and healthcare network. These included new occupational disease centres, hospital upgrades and plans for stronger cancer care facilities.The ESIC also approved a new dental college at its medical college and hospital in Basaidarapur, New Delhi. A new ESIC Medical College was also approved for Haridwar in Uttarakhand.Five new sub-regional offices were also approved in Meghalaya, Bilaspur, Rajkot, Jamshedpur and Jabalpur. The move is aimed at improving service delivery and administration.Health Support for WorkersEarlier in 2026, Mandaviya also launched a nationwide annual health check-up initiative for workers aged 40 years and above covered under the labour framework.The initiative provides annual health checks through the ESIC system. The government said early detection can help identify serious health problems and support timely treatment."ESIC began its 75th foundation year celebrations in February 2026. At the event, Mandaviya highlighted the organisation's role in providing healthcare to workers and their families."The latest statement by Mandaviya underlines the government's focus on expanding social security and healthcare access for workers and their families.As ESIC continues to expand its hospitals, medical education facilities and regional offices, its healthcare network is also being developed to serve beneficiaries across more parts of the country.Also Read : UN Chief Urges Global Action to Prepare for Future Pandemics
