New Delhi: The Delhi government has announced a comprehensive health protection programme for registered building and construction workers and their families, extending coverage to an estimated 10 lakh beneficiaries across the national capital.
The newly introduced Delhi Building and Construction Workers Health Scheme will cover around 2.7 lakh registered workers and is expected to involve an annual expenditure of nearly Rs 200 crore.
Under the initiative, workers and their eligible family members, including spouses, children and parents, will receive access to a wide range of medical services free of cost through empanelled hospitals and mobile medical units. The treatment process will be entirely cashless, ensuring that beneficiaries do not face any financial burden during medical emergencies or routine care.
Each registered worker will be entitled to medical treatment worth up to Rs 2 lakh, while families will receive coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh under the scheme.
In addition to hospitalisation benefits, the programme includes annual health check ups for workers and their spouses, along with free outpatient and inpatient treatment, diagnostic tests, laboratory services, emergency assistance and referral support.
Special attention has been given to improving healthcare access at construction sites and labour clusters through mobile medical units that will deliver services directly to workers.
The government noted that construction workers are regularly exposed to hazardous working conditions, including dust, chemicals, excessive noise and heavy machinery, making them vulnerable to respiratory diseases, skin disorders and other serious health complications.
To improve monitoring and transparency, digital health records and a beneficiary tracking system will be introduced under the scheme. A round the clock toll free helpline will also be established to provide assistance and support to workers and their families.
