New Delhi| HL June 23, 2026
In a major welfare initiative aimed at strengthening healthcare access for construction workers, the Delhi Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has approved the Delhi Building and Construction Workers Health Scheme, a comprehensive health protection programme that will benefit approximately 2.70 lakh registered construction workers and their families across the national capital.
The scheme is expected to cover nearly 10 lakh beneficiaries and will provide a wide range of healthcare services free of cost, including cashless treatment, annual health screenings, emergency medical assistance, diagnostic services and healthcare outreach through mobile medical units.
Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Delhi Government is committed to ensuring social security and dignity for workers who play a crucial role in building the city’s infrastructure. She described construction workers as the backbone of Delhi’s development and emphasized that their health and well-being remain a top priority for the government.
Under the new scheme, every registered construction worker will be eligible for cashless medical treatment up to Rs. 2 lakh, while their families—including spouses, children and parents—will receive healthcare coverage of up to Rs. 10 lakh through empanelled hospitals. The initiative seeks to remove financial barriers to quality healthcare and ensure timely medical intervention for workers and their dependents.
The Chief Minister highlighted that construction workers are routinely exposed to hazardous working conditions, including dust, chemicals, heavy machinery and excessive noise, making them vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, skin disorders, silicosis and other occupational diseases. The newly approved scheme aims to address these long-standing health challenges through a dedicated and structured healthcare framework.
In addition to hospitalization benefits, the programme will provide annual health check-ups for workers and their spouses, free OPD and IPD services, laboratory tests, diagnostic facilities, emergency care and referral services. To improve accessibility, Mobile Medical Units will be deployed at construction sites and worker-dense localities, bringing healthcare services directly to beneficiaries.
The government will also create digital health records for all beneficiaries and establish an advanced tracking system to monitor healthcare delivery and ensure transparency. A dedicated 24×7 toll-free helpline will assist workers in accessing services and resolving grievances.
Officials estimate that the scheme will require an annual expenditure of around ₹200 crore, reflecting the government’s commitment to expanding social welfare and healthcare support for workers in the unorganised sector.
Chief Minister Gupta noted that the initiative aligns with the broader vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen social protection mechanisms for workers through programmes such as Ayushman Bharat, the e-Shram Portal and the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana. She said the Delhi Government is determined to carry forward this commitment by ensuring that workers and their families receive quality healthcare without financial hardship.
With the launch of the Delhi Building and Construction Workers Health Scheme, the government hopes to significantly improve health outcomes, enhance social security and provide much-needed support to one of the capital’s most vital workforce segments.
