M.SATHYA Vs. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In India, labour movement dates back to pre-independence. National leaders fought for the welfare of the common man and also the labour force. One of the finest labour law legislations in the country is the Employment State Insurance Act, 1948.

(2.) The object of the ESI Act is to provide for certain benefits to employees in case of sickness, maternity and employment injury and to make provision for certain other matters in relation thereto. The Act mandates establishment of hospitals and dispensaries exclusively for the workforce of the country. Though India has developed and modified the health care for the working force also, while doing much for the rural health care, some of the hospitals for the labours may not get good Doctors, who are expected to have expertise not only in medicine, but also to some extent in labour laws and its nuances.

(3.) Treating the patients, who suffered injuries in industries and workplaces while in duty is not as treating a patient in a PHCs or Hospitals. At times, it requires immediate medical attention and further steps with respect to the legal issues. A Doctor should be able to handle the situation.