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India Launches Annual Medical Screening for Older Workers: ESIC’s Big Step for Worker Health

May 08, 2026

​​​​​​ Overview

Government Launches Free Annual Health Check-Up for Workers Above 40

On  7 May 2026 , the Union Labour Ministry of India started a new nationwide scheme. This scheme gives a  free annual health check-up  to all insured workers who are  above 40 years of age . The goal is simple: find health problems early. The government runs this scheme through  Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)  hospitals and their affiliated centres. The legal basis for this scheme comes from the  Code on Social Security, 2020 .

What the Scheme Offers

Every year, eligible workers get a full health screening. The check-up looks for early signs of:

  • Heart diseases (cardiovascular diseases)

  • Diabetes

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)

  • Illnesses caused by the workplace (occupational illnesses)

If the tests find any problem, the worker gets treatment and medicines for free through ESIC facilities. This means no extra cost for the worker or their family.

How ESIC Rolled Out the Scheme

The official launch happened at  ESIC Medical College & Hospital in Basaidarapur, Delhi . At the same time,  11 other ESIC hospitals across India  also started the scheme. This shows that the government wants to reach workers in many cities from day one.

First Day in Jaipur: A Good Example

At  ESIC Medical College and Hospital in Jaipur , 300 insured workers above 40 got their tests on the very first day. The doctors and staff conducted the following tests:

  • Diabetes screening (blood sugar test)

  • Blood pressure measurement

  • Cholesterol testing

  • Anaemia testing (to check low red blood cells)

  • ECG (to check heart rhythm)

  • Chest X-ray (to check lungs and heart shape)

This package covers the most common health problems in older workers.

Special Rule for Hazardous Jobs

The scheme has an important extra rule. Workers in  hazardous occupations  can get  mandatory medical check-ups regardless of their age . This means even if they are younger than 40, they must be checked regularly. Hazardous jobs include:

  • Chemical handling

  • Working with toxic substances

  • Operating heavy machinery

This rule protects workers who face higher health risks every day.

Connection to Social Security and Labour Codes

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