**Executive Summary**
This document provides the response to Unstarred Question No. 1282 regarding the delay in sanctioning the ESIC 100-bedded hospital project at Ernakulam, set to be answered on December 8, 2025. The response clarifies the project's status, the reasons for delays, and the actions taken. The project is currently under review due to land issues, with no specific actions required.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Project Approval and Revision:**
* The upgradation of an existing 65-bedded ESIC hospital to a 100-bedded hospital was approved in December 2019.
* In June 2022, the scope of work was revised to construct a new multi-storeyed building with additional facilities.
* **Construction Plans and Challenges:**
* The concept plan has been approved.
* The Central Public Work Department (CPWD) has submitted the preliminary estimate for construction.
* Part of the land meant for the project falls within existing infrastructure, preventing new construction on specific portions.
* **Current Status and Alternative Provisions:**
* The project is currently under review.
* The existing 65-bedded ESI Hospital in Ernakulam remains functional.
* A nearby 114-bedded ESI Hospital at Udyogamandal is also operational.
* Patients are referred to tie-up hospitals outside the ESIC setup as required.
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Insured Persons (IPs)**
* **Impact:** The upgrade of the hospital is delayed, but existing facilities provide healthcare services.
* **Action Required:** No immediate action required. Continue utilizing the existing ESI hospital in Ernakulam and the nearby hospital in Udyogamandal.
**Stakeholder: Ministry of Labour and Employment**
* **Impact:** Responsible for the project's planning, approval, and execution.
* **Action Required:** Continue reviewing the project and address land-related challenges to determine the next steps.
**Stakeholder: Central Public Work Department (CPWD)**
* **Impact:** Involved in construction estimation and planning.
* **Action Required:** Await further instructions from the Ministry of Labour and Employment regarding the project's future.
**Stakeholder: Indian Railways and Ernakulam Municipal Corporation**
* **Impact:** Land acquired affects the project’s space and construction plan
* **Action Required:** No immediate action required.
Key Entities Referenced
Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC): An organization providing social security and health insurance to Indian workers; the upgrade of an ESIC hospital is the subject of the query.
Ministry of Labour and Employment: The Indian government ministry responsible for addressing labor-related issues; the source of the answer to the question.
Ernakulam: A city in Kerala; the location of the proposed ESIC hospital upgrade.
Central Public Work Department (CPWD): A government agency responsible for public works; involved in submitting estimates for the construction project.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1282
TO BE ANSWERED ON 08.12.2025
DELAY IN SANCTIONING OF ESIC 100-BEDDED HOSPITAL PROJECT AT
ERNAKULAM
1282. SHRI HIBI EDEN:
Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to
state:
(a)whether the Government is aware that the sanctioning process for
the proposed construction of the 100-bedded ESIC Hospital and
ancillary buildings at Ernakulam, Kerala, estimated at Rs. 210.59
crore has been unduly delayed and if so, the details thereof;
(b)the details of the present status of administrative and financial
sanction for the said ESIC Hospital project and the expected timeline
for commencement of its construction;
(c)whether the delay in sanctioning the said project is affecting the
delivery of healthcare facilities to insured persons and workers in
Ernakulam and nearby districts and if so, the steps being taken by the
Government to expedite approval and execution; and
(d)if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)
(a) to (d): The upgradation of existing 65 - bedded Employees’ State
Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital to 100-bedded hospital was
approved in December 2019. In June 2022, the scope of work was
revised and was decided to construct a new multi - storeyed building
with Medicare facilities, Sub Regional Office, and staff quarters. The
concept plan has been approved and Central Public Work Department
(CPWD) has also submitted the preliminary estimate for the
construction. Further, a part of the land meant for the project has been
acquired by Indian Railways as puramboke land and a road of Ernakulam
Municipal Corporation falls within the existing compound wall.
Therefore, no new construction can be planned on specific portions of
the land. Consequently, the project is under review.
The existing 65 bedded ESI Hospital, Ernakulam is functional
and providing services to the insured persons (IPs). Besides, another
nearby 114 bedded ESI Hospital at Udyogamandal is also operational.
Patients are also referred to tie up hospitals outside the ESIC setup as
per requirement.
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