Port Blair, June 24: In a landmark move to enhance healthcare accessibility for building and construction workers, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the State Health Agency, Union Territory of Andaman & Nicobar Islands today at Secretariat. The MoU ensures that eligible registered building and other construction workers will receive coverage under the Ayushman Bharat (Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana - PMJAY), a flagship health insurance scheme of the Government of India.
Under this MoU, the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board will bear the entire premium cost for PMJAY for all eligible registered building and other construction workers for coverage of benefits under PMJAY. This initiative aims to provide comprehensive health coverage, ensuring that these workers and their families have access to quality healthcare services without financial strain.
The Ayushman Bharat -PMJAY scheme provides coverage of up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. With this initiative, the welfare of building and other construction workers of the ANIBOCW Welfare Board in the Union Territory will significantly improve as they will now be able to avail cashless and paperless access to hospital services across the country.
Dr. Anil Agarwal, Secretary (L&E)/Chairperson of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, expressed his gratitude and emphasized the importance of this initiative. He stated that “This MoU represents the ANIBOCW Welfare Board’s commitment to the welfare and well-being of building and other construction workers in the A&N Islands. By providing them with access to Ayushman Bharat -PMJAY, it is ensured that the beneficiary workmen as well as their families are protected against high medical costs, allowing them to lead healthier and more secure lives.”
Shri C. Aravind, Secretary (Health)/Chief Executive Officer, State Health Agency, UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, highlighted the significance of this partnership in bridging the healthcare gap for construction workers. He said, “It is a proud moment to collaborate with the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.” “The MoU will pave the way for better health outcomes for a critical segment of our workforce, he added.”
This initiative is part of broader and concerted efforts by the Labour as well as Health Department of the A&N Administration to improve the living conditions and welfare of workers in various sectors. By ensuring that construction workers have access to essential healthcare services, the Departments are taking crucial steps towards inclusive growth and development. The Board has appealed to the registered building and other construction workers to avail themselves of the health care benefits. For any clarification and further information, they may contact the Helpdesk at ANIBOCWWB, O/o Labour Commissioner & DET, Supply Line, Port Blair, or call 03192 230157 during office hours from Monday to Saturday (9 am to 5 pm).
Shri K Srinivasa Rao, Chief Executive Officer/Labour Commissioner, Shri OT Vishakh, Assistant Labour Commissioner/Beneficiary Registering Officer and Shri A Kavilan, Admin. Officer (i/c) of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board were also present.