official circular titled “Amendment of ESIC Reference Policy 2023 for Super Specialty & Specialty Services” issued by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC):
Issuing Authority: ESIC Headquarters, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India
Date: 1 July 2025
Subject: Amendments to existing ESIC Referral Policy 2023
Key Amendments:
1. Accreditation Requirements for Healthcare Organizations (HCOs):
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HCOs in Class X cities must be mandatorily accredited by NABH and NABL.
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HCOs in Class Y cities should be preferably accredited by NABH; a grace period of six months is given for full or entry-level accreditation.
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HCOs in Class Z cities are also encouraged to seek NABH accreditation.
2. Criteria for Standalone Dialysis Centres:
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Minimum infrastructure requirements revised:
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Class X cities: At least 10 dialysis units.
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Class Y and Z cities: Minimum 6 dialysis units.
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Additional specialties allowed at standalone units: Neurology, Nephrology, ENT, and Ophthalmology.
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Each standalone unit must have at least 10 beds, excluding laboratory services.
3. Revised Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) and Performance Bank Guarantee (PBG):
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PBG amount based on IP population coverage within 25 km radius:
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₹10 lakhs for IP population over 1 lakh
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₹5 lakhs for IP population between 50,000 – 1 lakh
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₹2.5 lakhs for 10,000 – 50,000
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₹1 lakh for below 10,000
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Relaxation allowed for Class Z cities.
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IP population data to be provided by respective State Regional Director Offices.
Note: These amendments override related points in the previous policy. All other provisions of the ESIC Referral Policy 2023 remain unchanged and must be implemented immediately. Existing contracts will not be altered.
Issued by: Dr. Bijoy Chandra Deka, Deputy Medical Commissioner (SST)
