India healthcare: Gujarat expands ESIC cover and Kerala mandates hospital transparency

In Gujarat, the state government plans to extend Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) social security and healthcare coverage to approximately eight lakh additional workers. Labour Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya announced that the expansion aims to keep pace with rising industrial development and employment opportunities. To support this, over 68 private hospitals have been empanelled with ESIC in the state to facilitate cashless medical treatment.

In Kerala, the state government has issued a directive requiring all state-run hospitals and health institutions to prominently display doctor details. This includes names, outpatient (OP) consultation days, and timings, as well as the number of sanctioned doctor posts and current vacancies. The measure, introduced by Health Minister K Muraleedharan, is intended to increase transparency and reduce uncertainty for patients.

In Surat, a third-year resident doctor, Dr. Yogendra Prajapati, allegedly committed suicide at the new civil hospital. The incident occurred in the anatomy department's dissection hall. While the specific reasons for the act remain unclear, the event follows a previous incident in August involving a medical student at the same college.