New Delhi, June 23: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Tuesday that the Delhi government has initiated the ‘Delhi Building and Construction Workers Health Scheme’ to safeguard the health of 270,000 registered construction workers and their families.
She stated that approximately 1 million people are expected to benefit from this scheme, with the government allocating around ₹200 crore annually for its implementation.
The scheme will provide annual health check-ups and various medical services free of charge to workers and their families. Gupta emphasized that the entire treatment process will be cashless, ensuring no financial burden on the workers and their families.
The Chief Minister highlighted the government’s commitment to the welfare of all societal segments, particularly the underprivileged, workers, and marginalized families. She noted that construction workers are the foundation of the capital’s development, making their health and social security a top priority for the government.
Gupta pointed out that construction workers frequently face hazardous conditions, including dust from stone cutting, chemicals, excessive noise, heavy machinery, and physically demanding tasks. Consequently, they are at risk of developing silicosis (lung disease), respiratory issues, skin problems, and other severe health conditions.
She acknowledged the long-standing absence of a comprehensive health security scheme for this group and stated that the current initiative aims to address this gap.
Under this scheme, registered construction workers and their eligible family members (such as spouses, children, and parents) will receive quality healthcare services through empaneled hospitals and mobile health units at no cost.
Each registered worker will be entitled to treatment worth up to ₹2 lakh at empaneled hospitals, while the limit for a family will be ₹10 lakh. The cashless treatment process ensures that workers and their families face no financial burden.
The scheme also includes annual health check-ups for registered workers and their spouses. Additionally, beneficiaries will have access to free OPD and IPD services, diagnostic and laboratory facilities, emergency medical assistance, and referral services.
Healthcare services will also be provided through mobile medical units at construction sites and areas with a high concentration of workers.
According to the Chief Minister, digital health records will be created for beneficiaries, and a modern beneficiary-tracking system will be developed to ensure effective monitoring and transparency in service delivery. She also announced the launch of a 24/7 toll-free helpline to assist workers.
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