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The government has launched a nationwide free annual health check-up programme for workers aged 40 and above. This is not a pilot or a state-specific scheme. It is a mandatory provision under the new Labour Codes, rolled out from May 7, 2026.
If you are an insured worker under the ESIC scheme and have crossed the age of 40, this directly applies to you. Here is what you need to know about your entitlement and what it means for you.
The Legal Framework Behind Your Entitlement
The health check-up mandate is rooted in the four new Labour Codes that came into effect from November 21, 2025. These codes consolidated 29 central labour laws into four comprehensive pillars: wages, industrial relations, social security, and occupational safety.
Two specific provisions establish your right to this check-up:
- OSH Code, 2020, Section 6(1): This provision requires employers to ensure health and safety measures, including medical examinations, for their workers.
- Social Security Code, 2020, Section 29: This section establishes the framework for ESIC benefits, including the expanded scope of medical coverage under the new regime.
Where employees are engaged in hazardous processes, annual medical examinations are mandatory irrespective of age.
How the Check-Up Applies to You
| Eligibility Criterion | Provision |
| Insured Persons (IPs) aged 40+ | Entitled to annual free comprehensive check-up |
| Workers in hazardous occupations | Mandatory check-ups regardless of age |
| Cost | Fully borne by the ESIC Fund; free for beneficiaries |
| Scope | Blood work, ECG, chest X-ray, consultations |
| Treatment | Detected illnesses treated free at ESIC hospitals |
The Employer’s Role: Not Optional
Employers have been officially requested by ESIC to spread awareness about the programme and encourage eligible workers to attend health check-up camps at nearby ESIC hospitals. This is a statutory obligation under the new framework.
The Operational Reality
The programme is being implemented through ESIC’s extensive network of hospitals and dispensaries across the country. The initiative was launched simultaneously at 11 ESIC hospitals nationwide on May 7, 2026.
The primary objective is early detection of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions. Regular screenings are expected to help identify these conditions at an early stage, enabling treatment and lifestyle modifications before complications develop.
Insured persons aged 40+ are entitled to annual check-ups; participation ensures compliance with preventive health mandates. For workers in hazardous occupations, these check-ups are not optional.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational and informational purposes only, based on available Central and State notifications as of August 2026. It is not formal legal counsel. Please consult a qualified lawyer for advice tailored to your establishment’s specific operations.