ESIC Medical College & Hospital Beltola Hosts Guwahati Chapter of National Programme
Guwahati, May 7: In a significant move towards strengthening social security and occupational healthcare, the Government of India officially launched the Pan-India Annual Health Check-up Programme for insured workers aged 40 years and above under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
The nationwide initiative was formally inaugurated by Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, from New Delhi. The programme was simultaneously launched across 11 ESIC hospitals in India, including the regional inauguration at ESIC Medical College & Hospital.
The initiative marks a major step in implementing the provisions of the newly introduced Labour Codes, with a strong emphasis on preventive healthcare and worker welfare.
Annual Health Check-Ups Now Mandatory Under New Labour Codes
Under the new Labour Codes of 2025, annual health check-ups have been made mandatory for all insured workers above the age of 40. The policy also mandates compulsory health screenings for workers employed in hazardous industries, irrespective of age.
The initiative aims to improve early detection of diseases, reduce long-term healthcare burdens, and ensure better occupational health outcomes for workers across sectors.
Officials stated that preventive healthcare measures such as regular screenings can significantly reduce out-of-pocket medical expenses and help protect families from severe health crises caused by late diagnosis of life-threatening illnesses.
The programme is expected to benefit approximately 12 to 13 lakh workers across the region, reinforcing the government’s focus on workforce wellbeing as a critical component of economic growth and social development.
Guwahati Event Attended by Senior Leaders and Officials
The Guwahati chapter of the programme was attended by several prominent dignitaries and healthcare administrators. Bijuli Kalita Medhi, Member of Parliament, attended the event as the Chief Guest alongside G D Tripathi, IAS, Principal Secretary, Labour & Welfare Department, Government of Assam.
The event also witnessed the presence of Alaka Pal, Zonal Medical Commissioner, J N Goswami, AMO, as well as Assam Regional Board Members Pankaj Kumar Pathak and Anupam Deka, among other officials.
The gathering highlighted the collaborative efforts of healthcare institutions, labour departments, and policymakers in advancing worker welfare and public health initiatives in Assam.
Bijuli Kalita Medhi Highlights “Shramev Jayate” Vision
Addressing the gathering, Bijuli Kalita Medhi emphasized that the initiative reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the “Shramev Jayate” framework, which prioritizes the dignity, health, and welfare of labourers.
She remarked that a healthy workforce is essential for nation-building and appreciated the Government of India’s efforts in expanding ESIC facilities and healthcare support for workers and their families.
The MP also urged the public to spread awareness about the educational opportunities available under ESIC institutions. She highlighted that the medical college currently offers an MBBS programme with 50 seats, of which 50 percent are reserved exclusively for the children of insured persons (IPs).
According to her, such initiatives not only improve healthcare access but also create educational pathways and long-term socio-economic support for worker families.
Labour Department Highlights Importance of Preventive Healthcare
Speaking at the event, G D Tripathi explained the evolution of the scheme and noted that the concept was initially introduced in 2008 but has now reached full-scale implementation under the Labour Codes of 2025.
He stressed that preventive health check-ups are essential for reducing medical expenditure and ensuring timely diagnosis of serious diseases. According to him, regular screenings can significantly lower the financial and emotional burden faced by families dealing with chronic or life-threatening conditions.
Tripathi also emphasized that healthcare initiatives focused on prevention rather than treatment alone are crucial for building a sustainable and productive workforce.
ESIC Beltola Expands Healthcare Capacity
The programme also highlighted the expanding healthcare infrastructure at the ESIC Medical College & Hospital. Officials informed that the hospital’s bed capacity has recently been upgraded from 100 to 200 beds in order to strengthen medical services and accommodate growing healthcare needs.
As part of the annual health check-up initiative, the Beltola hospital has set a target of conducting health screenings for approximately 80,000 workers.
The expansion reflects the increasing role of ESIC institutions in delivering affordable healthcare services and occupational medical support in the region.
Strengthening Worker Welfare Under Viksit Bharat 2047
The annual health check-up programme is being viewed as an important step towards achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, which focuses on inclusive growth and social security.
By prioritizing preventive healthcare for workers, the initiative aims to ensure that the country’s labour force remains healthy, productive, and financially secure. Policymakers noted that workers form the backbone of India’s economy, and investing in their wellbeing directly contributes to national development.
The programme also reflects a broader shift toward integrating occupational health into mainstream public healthcare planning, especially in sectors where workers are exposed to physical and environmental risks.
A Major Milestone in Occupational Healthcare
The launch of the nationwide annual health screening initiative represents a significant milestone in India’s labour welfare and healthcare systems. It demonstrates the government’s growing emphasis on preventive medicine, early diagnosis, and comprehensive social protection for workers.
With large-scale implementation now underway, the programme is expected to improve health awareness, strengthen workplace safety, and enhance access to timely medical intervention for millions of insured workers across the country.
The Guwahati event successfully showcased Assam’s participation in this nationwide initiative, reinforcing the region’s commitment to improving healthcare access and worker welfare through coordinated institutional efforts.
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