Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. L. Murugan, said that the Central Government has ensured access to quality medical treatments and services for all citizens of the country.
The Minister inaugurated healthcare services for the public under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) at the Employees' State Insurance Corporation Medical College & Hospital (ESICH) in K.K. Nagar, Chennai on 07 July 2025. During the event, the Minister also launched a wellness medical check-up camp themed ‘Swasth Bharat; Samriddh Bharat’ and underwent a medical examination himself.
The Minister inspected the medical infrastructure facilities and medical testing equipment at the medical college hospital and inquired about the treatments provided from the doctors and patients.
Later, at the ESIC Hospital, the Minister distributed assistive devices to approximately 100 differently-abled individuals through the Pradhan Mantri Divyasha (Persons with Disabilities) Centre. Speaking at the event, the Minister stated that India has advanced to the fourth position in economic growth on its path to becoming a developed nation. He added that the Central Government has also ensured access to quality medical services for all citizens over the past 11 years. He specifically mentioned that labourers play a crucial role in the country's infrastructure development and economic growth, and that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a deep concern for their welfare.
The Minister informed that the hospital treats more than 10,000 outpatients daily and has 1,000 beds for inpatients. He also stated that 50 additional postgraduate medical seats have been created this year, and that the hospital provides treatment to the general public who do not have ESI medical insurance, under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. He extended his greetings to the beneficiaries of the RashtriyaVayoshri Yojana, through which assistive devices are continuously provided free of cost to destitute differently-abled individuals above 60 years of age.
Recalling the recent inauguration of an ESI Hospital in Tiruppur, the Minister stated that another hospital would soon be started in Sriperumbudur. The Minister highlighted the significant progress the country has made in the medical sector, noting that 20 ESI Medical Colleges have been opened across the country in the past 11 years, and that the government has ensured access to quality medical treatment for all, with insurance coverage up to ₹5 lakh per year per family under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
Union Minister Dr. L. Murugan also informed that over 15,000 Jan AushadhiKendras across the country are providing medicines at affordable prices to reduce the burden of high medicine costs on the poor. He also emphasized the importance of reducing oil consumption by 10% in diet, as suggested by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to combat obesity.
The Minister stated that AYUSH medical systems are highly beneficial for various diseases, with Yoga playing a crucial role. He noted that in the recently held 11thInternational Day of Yoga, more than 3 lakh people performed Yoga at a single location, setting a world record. The Minister also mentioned that by 2047, India would advance in all sectors to become a developed nation, realizing the dream of former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam.
At the college campus, Minister Dr. L. Murugan planted a sapling under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’scheme.
The event was attended by Dr. Kalidas Dattatreya Chavan, Dean of ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Medical Superintendent K. Pushpalatha, S. Karuppasamy Deputy Director (PR) along with doctors, the public, and others.