A number of health schemes are being implemented in the State for bidi workers. They and their dependents are treated at bidi/mine labourers' hospitals free of cost. Free medicines are also provided to them. Madhya Pradesh is prominent in bidi industry due to abundant availability of tendu leaves.
Bidi workers suffering from heart and renal diseases are given Rs1,000 per month maintenance allowance, Rs2 lakh for treatment of renal diseases and Rs1.3 lakh for heart diseases. On admission of bidi workers in hospitals, only expenses on treatment are reimbursed. A cancer affected labour is given Rs750 per month for 9 months and expenses on treatment are reimbursed.
Reimbursement of up to Rs30,000 is done on treatment of hernia, ulser, gynecological diseases and debilitating diseases. Maintenance allowance is also given during treatment of TB, leprosy and mental diseases.
Bidi workers are given Rs300 for spectacles, Rs1,000 for maternity (two children) and Rs500 for family planning operation. Under free group insurance scheme, Rs10,000 is given to next of the kin of worker in case of natural death and Rs25 in case of accidental death. Rs1,500 assistance is also given to perform last rites. Financial assistance of Rs5,000 is also given to widow/widower of bidi worker for marriage of 2 daughters. They are being given benefit of National Health Insurance Scheme.