DIMAPUR: Moatoshi Longkumer, chairman of the ESIC Regional Board, Nagaland and advisor, Employment, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, has emphasised the need to establish a 100 bedded ESIC Hospital in Nagaland.
Speaking at the 2nd Nagaland Regional Board Meeting of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), Regional Office, North Eastern Region, held at the Labour Commissioner’s Office, Secretariat Building, Kohima, Moatoshi directed the State Labour Department and urged employers and employees’ representatives to extend cooperation in registering establishments and Insured Persons (IPs). He said achieving the target of 15,000 IPs would facilitate the establishment of the hospital.
The meeting also discussed engagement of doctors and paramedical staff at enhanced remuneration to strengthen medical services under the ESI Scheme. Moatoshi further stressed that Regional Board meetings should be conducted once every six months for regular review and monitoring of the scheme’s implementation in Nagaland.
The meeting was attended by senior officials of the State Government and ESIC, along with representatives of employers and employees. Among those present were Robert Longchari, commissioner & secretary, Labour & Employment Department and vice chairman of the Regional Board; Avile Vitso, ex officio member and CEO, ESI Scheme; and Dr. Tinento James Katiwa, representative of the Health Department.
From ESIC, Pranay Sinha, Insurance Commissioner (NE Zone) and invitee member; Champak Biswas, member secretary and regional director; Dr. Hiranmayee Sarma, State Medical Officer; Ahtesham, deputy director; and Dr. Bhumidahar Barman, nodal officer attended the meeting.
Longchari informed the Board that the Department would identify suitable land for opening ESIC branch offices at Tuensang, Mokokchung and Mon, while temporary premises could be hired until land is allotted.
Sinha briefed the Board on the Ward of IP Scheme and highlighted benefits available under the ESI Scheme, urging early formation of the ESI Society. Biswas suggested that the State Labour Department coordinate with Social Security Officers (SSOs) to expedite registration of eligible employers and employees.
Vitso informed that the Nagaland Institute of Medical Sciences & Research had approached the Health Department for approval to enter into an MoU with ESIC for delivery of medical services to beneficiaries.
Employer representative Bithungo Kikon emphasised the need to constitute a committee under the Labour Department to supervise and facilitate employer registration under the scheme, while also stressing awareness programmes and health camps. Employees’ representative Khamgaipu Kamei suggested that the State Government issue directives to ensure mandatory registration of eligible establishments and employees.
The meeting concluded with the inauguration of the ESIC Branch Office at Kohima, located on the second floor of the Labour Commissioner’s Office premises, by Moatoshi Longkumer.
