New Labour Codes in action: Free health check-up drive for workers begins under ESIC
New Delhi, May 6
The Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, will launch a nationwide Annual Health Check-Up Initiative for workers aged 40 years and above, as proposed under the new Labour Codes, on May 7, 2026.
As per the Ministry of Labour and Employment, "The initiative will be formally inaugurated from the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Medical College & Hospital, Basaidarapur, New Delhi.
"Simultaneous launch events will also be observed across 11 other ESIC hospitals across the country, which will be attended by the Labour Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assembly, and other dignitaries of the respective States," the Ministry added
This initiative is aligned with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the overarching "Shramev Jayate" framework, which emphasizes dignity of labour and strengthened social security for workers.
The rollout is anchored in the transformative reforms introduced through the four new labor codes, which consolidate 29 central labour laws under four comprehensive pillars. These reforms aim to simplify compliance, promote formalization of employment, and expand the ambit of social security.
Notably, the Code on Social Security, 2020, extends coverage to unorganized, gig, and platform workers, establishes a Social Security Fund, and broadens the scope of ESIC benefits.
A key provision under the new labour framework is the mandatory Annual Health Check-Up for workers aged 40 years and above. For beneficiaries under the ESI Scheme, these check-ups will be conducted through ESIC's extensive network of hospitals, with a focus on early diagnosis, preventive healthcare, and continuous health monitoring.
Further, for workers engaged in hazardous or dangerous operations, including those handling chemicals, toxic substances, or heavy machinery, medical check-ups are mandatory irrespective of age. The initiative also envisages systematic maintenance of health records and periodic monitoring to ensure long-term well-being of the workforce.
This nationwide initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening occupational health systems, ensuring comprehensive healthcare access for India's workforce, and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Finally, some good news for the unorganized sector! My father is a construction worker and has never had a health check-up in his life. I hope the government also ensures follow-up treatment is free or heavily subsidized. Early diagnosis is useless if you can't afford the cure. 🇮🇳
This is a decent step, but let's be honest—India has a history of great schemes on paper that never reach the ground. I'd like to see real data on how many workers actually get checked in the first year, not just launch events with politicians. The real test begins now.
Good initiative, but I wish they had started this earlier. My uncle worked in a chemical plant for 30 years and retired with lung problems. No one ever checked him. And what about contract workers? They are often left out. Make this truly universal, please.
As a foreigner working in India, I'm impressed by the ambition. But having lived here, I worry about implementation. Will gig workers like Swiggy/Zomato delivery partners actually get these benefits? They are the most vulnerable. The government needs to walk the talk. 🤞
Mandatory health check-ups for hazardous jobs? Finally! I work in a dyeing unit and we handle chemicals daily without any safety gear. If this scheme forces employers to let us get checked, it's a win. But make sure it's not just a photo-op—workers should genuinely benefit.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.