Government starts free health check-ups for more than 40 workers

New Delhi: The union government on Thursday launched a nationwide free annual health check-up program for all workers aged 40 and above under the new labor laws notified on November 21 last year. Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said free check-ups will be conducted across the country every year as “early detection through health check-ups helps prevent serious diseases and treatment and medicines will be provided through ESIC facilities.” He said workers engaged in hazardous occupations and even those working in establishments with less than 10 workers are covered under ESIC coverage. The minister said equal pay for men and women for equal work has been guaranteed, maternity leave has been increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, and provisions for women to work from home have been incorporated.