Delhi approves health scheme for construction workers, nearly 10 lakh people to benefit
The Delhi Cabinet has approved a comprehensive health insurance scheme for registered construction workers and their families, extending healthcare coverage to nearly 10 lakh people across the national capital. The initiative is aimed at improving health security for workers employed in one of the city's most hazardous sectors.
Under the Delhi Building and Construction Workers Health Scheme, around 2.7 lakh registered construction workers and their eligible family members, including spouses, children and parents, will receive cashless healthcare services through empanelled hospitals and mobile medical units. The scheme is expected to cost the government approximately ₹200 crore annually.
The government has announced cashless medical treatment of up to ₹2 lakh per worker and up to ₹10 lakh per family. Beneficiaries will also receive annual health check-ups, free OPD and IPD services, diagnostic tests, emergency medical assistance and referral services.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said construction workers are routinely exposed to dust, chemicals, heavy machinery and physically demanding conditions, making them vulnerable to respiratory ailments, skin disorders and occupational diseases. The scheme seeks to bridge a long-standing gap in healthcare protection for this workforce.
The government will also create digital health records for beneficiaries, deploy mobile medical units at construction sites and set up a 24x7 toll-free helpline to ensure easy access to healthcare services and effective monitoring of the programme.
