By Soniya:
The Union Labour Ministry has launched a nationwide free annual health check-up scheme for workers above 40 years of age under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) network. The initiative was officially launched on May 7, 2026, under the provisions of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
The scheme aims to strengthen worker welfare through early detection and treatment of major health conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, anaemia, and occupational illnesses. Treatment and medicines identified during the screenings will also be provided through ESIC hospitals and affiliated healthcare centres.
The launch event was held at ESIC Medical College & Hospital in Basaidarapur, Delhi, and was simultaneously observed at 11 other ESIC hospitals across the country.
Under the programme, insured workers above 40 years will receive annual medical screenings including blood pressure checks, diabetes testing, cholesterol testing, ECG, chest X-rays, and anaemia tests. On the first day of implementation, ESIC Medical College and Hospital in Jaipur conducted health screenings for around 300 insured workers.
The initiative also includes mandatory medical examinations for workers employed in hazardous occupations such as chemical handling, toxic substance exposure, and heavy machinery operations, regardless of age.
The scheme forms part of the government’s broader worker welfare and social security efforts under the “Shramev Jayate” framework. It also reflects the growing expansion of social security coverage in India, which now benefits nearly 94 crore people across the country.
