Labour Welfare Scheme (Health) provides medical financial support and health services to registered beedi, cine, and non-coal mine workers along with their dependants. Ministry of Labour and Employment runs this scheme for unorganised sector workers, and it is still in operation for the year 2026-27.
Labour Welfare Scheme (Health) - Introduction
Ministry of Labour and Employment manages this scheme to support unorganised sector workers through the Labour Welfare Organisation. The scheme covers health services through a network of permanent and mobile dispensaries and empaneled hospitals. Eligible people get reimbursements for surgeries, maternity care, and serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, kidney transplantation, and tuberculosis.
As per the official PIB release of June 2025, the health scheme supports over 50 lakh workers and their families across the country. Implementation happens through 18 regional Welfare Commissioners who look after the scheme at the state and regional level.
The scheme is open for registered beedi, cine, iron ore, manganese, chrome, limestone, dolomite, and mica mine workers. Dependants of these workers also get support for certain treatments. Anyone holding a valid worker identity card can approach the nearest dispensary or empaneled hospital.
Key Information
| Scheme Name | Labour Welfare Scheme (Health) |
|---|---|
| Level | Central |
| Scheme For | Individual |
| Beneficiary States | All |
| Category | Health and Wellness, Social Welfare and Empowerment |
| Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Labour and Employment |
Benefits
General Healthcare: Health services are provided through 10 hospitals and 279 dispensaries. Workers receive ₹300 for spectacle purchases.
Cancer: Reimbursement of actual expenses up to ₹7,50,000, plus a travel allowance of ₹50 per day for the patient and one attendant. Heart Diseases: Reimbursement up to ₹1,30,000. Kidney Diseases: Reimbursement up to ₹2,00,000 for transplants. Minor Surgeries: Reimbursement up to ₹30,000 for procedures like hernia and appendectomy.
Maternity and Family Welfare: A grant of ₹1,000 per delivery up to two deliveries and an incentive of ₹500 for sterilization. Tuberculosis: Subsistence allowance of ₹750 to ₹1,000 per month plus a daily food allowance of ₹15 or an annual grant of ₹20,000. Leprosy: Indoor treatment support of ₹30 per day and subsistence allowance of ₹200 to ₹300 per month. Mental Diseases: Maintenance allowance from ₹180 to ₹900 per month for the patient and ₹600 to ₹750 per month for dependants.
Eligibility
To get the health benefits, a person must meet the conditions given below.
- Must be a registered beedi, cine, or non-coal mine worker, specifically iron, manganese, chrome, limestone, dolomite, or mica.
- Dependants of the registered worker are eligible for specific benefits.
- Must hold a valid identity card that shows the worker status.
- Maternity benefits are limited to the first two deliveries.
- Family planning incentives require the applicant to have exactly two children.
Application Process
STEP 1 - Visit the nearest permanent or mobile dispensary or empaneled hospital run by the Labour Welfare Organisation. Any registered worker can walk in with the worker identity card and ask for treatment.
STEP 2 - Submit a formal request for treatment or reimbursement along with the worker identity card and medical prescriptions. Keep a copy of every document for follow up.
STEP 3 - Get prior administrative approval from the regional Welfare Commissioner before starting treatment for major illnesses such as cancer, heart disease, or kidney issues.
STEP 4 - Submit final bills, receipts, and the required forms to the regional Welfare Commissioner office to claim the reimbursement or allowances.
Documents Required
Keep these documents ready while applying for the health benefits.
- Valid worker identity card.
- Medical prescription or treatment recommendation letter.
- Original bills and receipts for the medical spending.
- Prior approval letter from the Welfare Commissioner for critical treatments.
- Birth certificates of children for maternity and family planning claims.
References
FAQ's
What is the maximum reimbursement for minor surgeries?
The maximum reimbursement for minor surgeries is ₹30,000.
Are spectacles reimbursable for dependants?
No, the ₹300 benefit for spectacles is only for the worker.
Is prior approval required for critical treatments?
Yes, prior approval from the Welfare Commissioner is required for cancer, heart, and kidney treatments.
Are maternity benefits available for all births?
No, the ₹1,000 grant is limited to the first two deliveries.
How much is the travel allowance for cancer patients?
Cancer patients and one attendant each receive ₹50 per day as travel allowance.