Labour Ministry proposes higher payouts and digital cards for workers' health scheme

The Ministry of Labour and Employment is set to overhaul the Labour Welfare Scheme’s health benefits by increasing reimbursement limits—₹2 lakh for cardiac illnesses (up from ₹1.3 lakh) and ₹3 lakh for kidney care (up from ₹2 lakh), and adding dialysis coverage. Caps for diseases such as tuberculosis, hernia and cataract will rise to ₹40,000 each. Beneficiaries will gain access to a digital database tied to Aadhaar, featuring QR-code health cards and an online portal for registration, claims and electronic medical records via the Next Gen e-Hospital platform.

The centrally funded scheme, allocated ₹52 crore in the 2026-27 budget, supports beedi, film-industry and specified non-coal mine workers meeting income and service criteria. The move responds to documented health burdens among these groups, including high rates of respiratory and gynecological diseases. Implementation will be managed through 18 Labour Welfare Organisation regions under the Directorate General of Labour Welfare.