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Centre Launches Free Annual Health Check-Ups for Workers Aged 40+

Labour Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya launched a nationwide free annual health check-up initiative for all workers aged 40 and above under the new Labour Codes. The scheme aims to strengthen occupational healthcare and social security for India's workforce. Social security coverage has expanded from 30 crore to 94 crore beneficiaries, with ESIC coverage doubling to 15 crore. The initiative includes provisions for equal wages, increased maternity leave, and work-from-home options for women.

Key Points: Free Health Check-Ups for Workers Aged 40+ Announced

  • Free annual health check-ups for all workers aged 40+
  • Social security coverage expands from 30 crore to 94 crore beneficiaries
  • ESIC coverage increases from 7 crore to 15 crore beneficiaries
  • Equal wages, 26-week maternity leave, work-from-home for women
2 min read

Labour reforms: Centre launches free annual health check-ups for workers aged 40 and above

Labour Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya launches annual free health check-ups for workers aged 40+ under new Labour Codes, expanding social security coverage.

"The implementation of the four Labour Codes reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantee of ensuring dignity, welfare and social security for workers across the country. - Dr Mansukh Mandaviya"

New Delhi, May 7

Labour Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday launched a nationwide annual health check-up initiative for all workers aged 40 and above under new Labour Codes, marking a major milestone in strengthening occupational healthcare and social security coverage for India's workforce.

The free health check-ups for all workers above 40 years of age will now be conducted across the country every year.

Mandaviya said the implementation of the four Labour Codes reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantee of ensuring dignity, welfare and social security for workers across the country.

The minister highlighted that under the leadership of PM Modi, the government has worked over the last 12 years to empower "Shram Shakti" and "Yuva Shakti" through employment generation and welfare measures.

Social security coverage in the country has expanded significantly from nearly 30 crore people a decade ago to around 94 crore beneficiaries today, increasing from 19 per cent to 64 per cent, he highlighted.

The minister further stated that ESIC coverage has increased from around 7 crore beneficiaries a decade ago to nearly 15 crore beneficiaries today.

Early detection through health screenings can help prevent serious diseases, and treatment and medicines identified during the camps will be provided through ESIC facilities.

Highlighting key labour reforms, the minister said provisions for equal wages for men and women workers have been ensured, maternity leave has been increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, and work-from-home provisions for women have also been incorporated.

Dr Mandaviya said workers engaged in hazardous occupations and employees working even in establishments with fewer than 10 workers are now being brought under ESIC coverage.

While workers earlier remained neglected and unheard, the present government has ensured that their concerns are being addressed with commitment and sensitivity.

He added that the nationwide health check-up initiative is another important endeavour aimed at ensuring dignity, protection and better healthcare outcomes for the country's workforce.

The launch event was simultaneously observed across 11 other locations of the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospitals nationwide.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
I've worked in corporate HR for years, and seeing ESIC coverage expand from 7 crore to 15 crore is genuinely impressive. The work-from-home provisions for women and increased maternity leave are progressive too. But implementation at grassroots level will be the real test—hope the government ensures these check-ups reach the unorganized sector workers who need them most.
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Vikram M
Good initiative but sorry to say, ground reality is different. My father works in a small factory in Gujarat, and such schemes rarely reach actual workers. The gap between paperwork and practical implementation is huge. And equal wages for men and women? Kahan hota hai actually? But I hope this time it works. 🙏
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Michael C
As someone who follows Indian labor policy, the jump from 19% to 64% social security coverage is remarkable by global standards. The focus on hazardous occupations is crucial too—too many workers in construction and mining suffer without coverage. Let's see how free medicines through ESIC actually pan out, but direction is right.
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Priya S
I appreciate the intent but why only 40 and above? Young workers also face occupational hazards and need regular check-ups, especially in industries like textiles and chemicals. Maternity leave increase to 26 weeks is wonderful though—finally some attention to working mothers. Also hope these camps are held in rural areas, not just cities.
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Ravi K
Mera ek dost ESIC hospital mein kaam karta hai. Infrastructure is still a challenge—long queues, shortage of doctors in rural centers. But if the government actually invests in facilities along with these check-ups, it could be game-changing. Aur haan, early

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