Parliament Question: Restoration and Upgradation of ESI Medical Institutions in Ernakulam.

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2332 TO BE ANSWERED ON 03.08.2026 RESTORATION AND UPGRADATION OF ESI MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS IN ERNAKULAM.

2332. SHRI HIBI EDEN:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to

state:

(a)whether the Government is aware of the deteriorated condition of the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Hospital at Ernakulam North and if so, the details thereof;

(b)whether the proposal for construction of a new 100-bedded ESI Hospital at Ernakulam North has been approved or is under consideration and if so, the present status of the proposal, the estimated cost, the timeline for commencement and completion of the project along with the steps being taken by the Government to expedite the same;

(c)whether the Government is aware that the ESI Dispensary and sub- store at Fort Kochi suffered extensive damage in a recent fire incident and if so, the details thereof; and

(d)whether the Government proposes to provide a suitable temporary alternative building for the functioning of the ESI Dispensary at Fort Kochi until the damaged buildings are restored and if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

(a) to (d): The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has approved the construction of a new 100-bed hospital at Ernakulam North as the existing hospital building has become outdated, congested, and inadequate to support future healthcare demands.

The concept plan has already been cleared, and the construction work has been assigned to the Central Public Works Department (CPWD). According to the preliminary estimate provided by CPWD, the project will cost approximately ₹232.00 crore and is expected to be completed within three years.

Contd..2/-:: 2 ::

The ESI Dispensary building at Fort Kochi, constructed in 1966, suffered significant damage in a major fire incident. The fire completely destroyed the section housing the RDD Sub Store, two rooms of the dispensary, and the associated electrical installations.

Meanwhile, the ESI Dispensary has been temporarily shifted to the ESI Dispensary at Thoppumpady, located about 5 km away, to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services, till restoration of original building of Fort Kochi dispensary.

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