New Delhi: The Delhi Government has approved a major welfare initiative for construction workers and their families by launching the ‘Delhi Building and Construction Workers Health Scheme’. The decision was taken in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta.
The scheme aims to provide comprehensive healthcare support, including cashless treatment and free health check-ups, to registered construction workers across the capital.
Major Health Coverage for Construction Workers and Families
Under the new scheme, more than 2.70 lakh registered construction workers and their families will be covered. In total, the initiative is expected to benefit nearly 10 lakh people in Delhi.
The government has stated that construction workers and their families will now receive structured healthcare protection without financial burden.
Cashless Treatment and Financial Protection Up to ₹10 Lakh
One of the key features of the scheme is cashless medical treatment:
- ₹2 lakh coverage per registered worker
- Up to ₹10 lakh coverage per family
- Entire treatment process will be cashless
This ensures that workers do not need to spend their savings on medical emergencies.
Free Health Check-ups, OPD and Emergency Services
The scheme includes a wide range of healthcare services such as:
- Annual health check-ups for workers and eligible family members
- Free OPD and IPD treatment
- Diagnostic and laboratory services
- Emergency medical assistance
- Referral services to higher medical facilities
These services will be available through empanelled hospitals and mobile medical units.
Mobile Medical Units and 24×7 Helpline Support
To improve accessibility, the government will deploy mobile medical units in construction-heavy zones and worker-dense areas.
Additionally, a 24×7 toll-free helpline will be launched to assist workers in accessing medical services and emergency support.
A digital health record system will also be created to ensure transparency and efficient monitoring of beneficiaries.
Focus on Occupational Health Risks of Workers
The government highlighted that construction workers often face serious occupational health hazards such as:
- Silicosis and other lung diseases
- Respiratory illnesses
- Skin diseases
- Exposure to dust, chemicals, and heavy machinery noise
The scheme aims to provide targeted healthcare support to address these long-term risks.
Annual Budget and Social Security Impact
The Delhi Government estimates an annual expenditure of around ₹200 crore for implementing the scheme.
Officials stated that this initiative is not just a healthcare programme but a broader social security measure aimed at improving the quality of life of workers and their families.
CM Rekha Gupta Highlights Worker Welfare Priority
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that construction workers are the backbone of Delhi’s development and ensuring their health and safety is a top priority for the government.
She added that the scheme reflects the government’s commitment to welfare-driven governance and aligns with national-level initiatives for workers’ protection and financial security.
Inspired by Central Government Welfare Schemes
The Chief Minister also noted that the initiative is inspired by several central government schemes aimed at labour welfare, including:
- Ayushman Bharat health coverage
- e-Shram portal
- Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana
She said Delhi aims to strengthen social and health security for workers through coordinated efforts.
Major Step Towards Worker Welfare in Delhi
The approval of the Delhi Building and Construction Workers Health Scheme marks a significant step toward strengthening healthcare access for low-income workers. With cashless treatment, preventive care, and digital health tracking, the initiative is expected to bring large-scale social impact across the capital.
