Gujarat to issue 'health cards' to 6-lakh workers on May Day

Ahmedabad, Apr 7 (UNI) The state government will issue health cards to six lakh workers in Gujarat on the state's 46th foundation day, to be celebrated on May 1, which is also observed as Labour Day across the world.

Speaking at a function to mark the World Health Day here today, Health Minister Ashok Bhatt informed the plan is to carry out regular medical check-ups for all the workers covered under Employees State Insurance Scheme (ESIC) and enter the readings in the health cards.

Calling for greater involvement of employers to ensure health of their employees, Mr Bhatt said the health of workers is as important as the health of the nation.

He said the government's effort was in consonance with the theme of World Health Organisation's (WHO) 'Working Together For Health', which incidentally is rooted in India's Vedic philosophy too.

The Minister said the government's 'Chiranjivi Yojna', started with a view to reduce the maternal and infant mortality rate, commenced in five districts as a project has shown dramatic results.

Earlier in the day, he inaugurated exhibitions on the WHO theme at two places in the city -- at the main railway station at Kalupur and at Sabarmati River Front Development Park.

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