In a major step for worker welfare, Labour Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has announced a nationwide annual health check-up programme for workers aged 40 years and above.
Under the new initiative, eligible workers across the country will get free health check-ups every year.
The programme has been launched under the new Labour Codes and aims to improve healthcare access, occupational safety, and social security benefits for India’s workforce.
Who Will Benefit From the New Health Check-Up Scheme?
The scheme is meant for workers aged 40 and above across different sectors.
According to the government, the annual health screenings will help in:
Early detection of diseases
Timely treatment
Better healthcare support for workers
The government also said that medicines and treatment identified during these health camps will be provided through ESIC facilities.
Government Says Worker Welfare Has Expanded Rapidly
Speaking at the launch event, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya said the Labour Codes reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment towards improving the dignity, welfare, and social security of workers.
The minister highlighted that over the last 12 years, the government has focused on empowering both “Shram Shakti” and “Yuva Shakti” through welfare schemes and employment initiatives.
According to him:
Social security coverage has increased from around 30 crore people to nearly 94 crore beneficiaries
Coverage has risen from 19% to 64% of the population
ESIC beneficiaries have increased from around 7 crore to nearly 15 crore
Major Labour Reforms Highlighted
The minister also spoke about several labour reforms introduced by the government in recent years.
These include:
Equal wages for men and women
Increase in maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks
Work-from-home provisions for women employees
The government has also expanded ESIC coverage to:
Workers in hazardous occupations
Employees working in establishments with fewer than 10 workers
Why This Health Initiative Matters
The government believes regular health check-ups can help workers identify serious illnesses at an early stage and reduce long-term health risks.
Officials said many workers were ignored in the past and lacked proper healthcare and social security support.
The new initiative is being presented as an effort to improve dignity, protection, and healthcare access for workers across the country.
The launch programme was held simultaneously at 11 ESIC hospital locations across India.
