Mandatory annual health check-up lined up for Delhi MLAs

New Delhi: Delhi assembly is set to introduce mandatory, cashless annual health check-ups for all MLAs. Over 90% of legislators are older than 40 years. The assembly believes regular preventive health screening is essential to detect ailments early and keep lifestyle and age-related diseases at bay. The move aims to ensure that health issues do not affect legislative related work, constituency outreach, or assembly proceedings. The check-ups will be conducted at empanelled hospitals and the expenses borne by govt. Almost all major private hospitals of Delhi are empanelled with Delhi govt.
Speaker Vijender Gupta said the check-up plan is likely to be rolled out soon. "As over 90% MLAs are above the age of 40, preventive health screening is essential. Annual health check-ups will help in early detection of lifestyle and age-related ailments and ensure timely medical intervention. Initially, the check-ups will be conducted once a year, though the frequency may later be increased to once every six months, depending on requirements. In the long run, the initiative is expected to benefit not only the legislators but also the people they represent, as good health will enable MLAs to discharge their public responsibilities more effectively and remain engaged in legislative and constituency work," Gupta said.An official said that the assembly has prepared a proposal in this regard, and it is in the final stages. An announcement of the proposal is expected soon.The assembly has 48 members from BJP, 22 legislators are from AAP.The scheme will also cover chief minister Rekha Gupta, ministers, the speaker and deputy speakers. An official said the health check-up process would be coordinated by the assembly secretariat and include the scheduling of appointments, diagnostic and pathological tests, and consultations with specialists, as required. The process would be designed to ensure minimal disruption to legislative work while providing comprehensive preventive care to the MLAs, the official added."Special periods of screening will be organised during the year, with a 15-day window during which the MLAs would be expected to get the health check-up done," Gupta said.Currently, under the Medical Attendance Rules and the Delhi Govt Employees Health Scheme (DGEHS) provisions, MLAs are entitled to free medical treatment similar to the Gorup-A officers and/or reimbursement, as well as free accommodation at all govt hospitals and empanelled panel/referral hospitals recognised by govt. The mandatory annual health check-up will be an add-on to the facilities available to MLAs.