India Launches Nationwide Free Annual Health Check-Up Initiative for Workers

Nationwide Free Health Check-Up Initiative Launched for Workers Aged 40 and Above

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched a nationwide free annual health check-up initiative for all workers aged 40 and above on Thursday. The initiative was launched at ESIC Medical College & Hospital in Delhi, where Mandaviya highlighted the government's commitment to strengthening social security coverage for all workers.

The launch of the initiative marks a significant milestone in the implementation of the four Labour Codes, which reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi's guarantee of ensuring dignity, welfare, and social security for workers across the country. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the government has worked over the last 12 years to empower "Shram Shakti" and "Yuva Shakti" through employment generation and welfare measures.

The government's efforts have resulted in a significant expansion of social security coverage in the country. Social security coverage has increased from nearly 30 crore people a decade ago to around 94 crore beneficiaries today, representing a growth from 19 per cent to 64 per cent. Additionally, ESIC coverage has increased from around 7 crore beneficiaries a decade ago to nearly 15 crore beneficiaries today.

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The nationwide health check-up initiative is aimed at ensuring dignity, protection, and better healthcare outcomes for the country's workforce. Early detection through health screenings can help prevent serious diseases, and treatment and medicines identified during the camps will be provided through ESIC facilities.

Key labour reforms under the four Labour Codes include provisions for equal wages for men and women workers, increased maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, and work-from-home provisions for women. The Modi government has also proactively ensured the inclusion of gig and platform workers under social security frameworks through the new Labour Codes.

The initiative is a significant undertaking that will benefit workers engaged in hazardous occupations and employees working even in establishments with fewer than 10 workers, who are now being brought under ESIC coverage. The launch event was simultaneously observed across 11 other locations of the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospitals nationwide in the presence of State Labour Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, senior officials, employers' representatives, workers, and other dignitaries.

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Comparison of Social Security and ESIC Coverage

The government's efforts in expanding social security coverage and ESIC coverage have resulted in a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries over the past decade.