New Delhi, May 7: The Centre on Thursday launched a nationwide annual health check-up programme for workers aged 40 years and above under the new Labour Codes, expanding occupational healthcare coverage and strengthening social security measures for India’s workforce.
Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced that free annual health screenings for workers above 40 years of age will now be conducted across the country every year through Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) facilities. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader push to improve workplace welfare, healthcare access and early disease detection among workers in both organised and unorganised sectors.
The launch programme was simultaneously observed at 11 ESIC hospital locations across the country.
Addressing the event, Mandaviya said the implementation of the four Labour Codes reflects the government’s focus on expanding welfare and social protection mechanisms for workers. He stated that the initiative aims to strengthen occupational healthcare systems while ensuring greater dignity and protection for the labour force.
According to the minister, early diagnosis through regular screening can help reduce the risk of serious illnesses among workers. Treatment and medicines identified during the screening process will be provided through ESIC healthcare facilities.
The government said the annual health check-up system is expected to improve access to preventive healthcare services, particularly for workers engaged in physically demanding and hazardous occupations.
Mandaviya also highlighted the expansion of social security coverage in the country over the past decade. He stated that the number of beneficiaries covered under social protection systems has increased from nearly 30 crore people to around 94 crore, raising overall coverage from 19 per cent to 64 per cent.
He further said ESIC coverage has expanded from around 7 crore beneficiaries a decade ago to nearly 15 crore beneficiaries at present, reflecting wider inclusion of workers under healthcare and insurance schemes.
The minister noted that the Labour Codes also include provisions aimed at improving workplace equality and labour welfare standards. These include equal wages for male and female workers, extension of maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks and incorporation of work-from-home provisions for women employees.
The government has also expanded ESIC coverage to workers employed in hazardous occupations and to employees working in establishments with fewer than 10 workers, broadening the scope of healthcare protection.
Mandaviya stated that the health screening initiative represents another major step in strengthening labour welfare and improving healthcare outcomes for workers across sectors. He added that the government is focusing on addressing long-standing concerns related to worker protection, healthcare accessibility and social security through policy reforms and expanded welfare measures.
The annual screening programme is expected to become a regular component of occupational healthcare under the new Labour Codes, with implementation linked to ESIC healthcare infrastructure across the country.
