Mangaluru: A comprehensive health insurance scheme for sanitation workers was highlighted in Mangaluru on Thursday, with officials urging pourakarmikas to prioritise their health while continuing their essential civic duties.
The programme, held at Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall, was jointly organised by the Karnataka State Safai Karmachari Development Corporation (KSSKDC) and the Mangaluru City Corporation (MCC). It focused on health check-ups, awareness, and distribution of health insurance cards to direct-payment sanitation workers.
Focus on workers’ health and safety
Addressing the gathering, Murali Ashok Salappa, Chairman of the KSSKDC, emphasised the importance of safeguarding the health of sanitation workers who play a critical role in maintaining urban cleanliness and public health.
He stated that a dedicated health insurance policy has been designed to support pourakarmikas, who are often exposed to hazardous working conditions. “Sanitation workers face numerous health risks due to the nature of their work. It is essential that they make full use of the health insurance card provided by the government to protect themselves,” he said.
Cashless treatment up to Rs 5 lakh
Highlighting the key features of the scheme, Salappa said that sanitation workers can avail of cashless medical treatment up to Rs 5 lakh at recognised hospitals under the policy.
The initiative aims to reduce the financial burden on workers who might otherwise struggle to afford medical care. By enabling access to cashless treatment, the government seeks to ensure timely and adequate healthcare for this vulnerable workforce.
He urged beneficiaries to utilise the scheme effectively and undergo regular health check-ups to detect and address medical issues early.
Awareness and preventive measures
Officials also stressed the importance of preventive healthcare practices. Sanitation workers were encouraged to use protective gear such as gloves, masks, and boots while on duty to minimise exposure to harmful substances.
Free health check-ups conducted as part of the programme aimed to identify common occupational health concerns and provide early intervention where necessary.
MCC highlights link between worker health and city cleanliness
MCC Commissioner Ravichandra Naik underscored the direct link between the well-being of sanitation workers and the overall cleanliness of the city.
“If the health of sanitation workers deteriorates, it will inevitably affect the cleanliness of the city. Working in unsafe environments can worsen health conditions, so workers must take care of their personal health and avoid harmful habits,” he said.
He also explained that the insurance card system is digitally enabled, allowing hospitals to access worker details through scanning, thereby streamlining the treatment process.
Distribution of insurance cards
During the event, health insurance cards were distributed to direct-payment sanitation workers. Officials noted that similar insurance benefits are often extended by private companies to their employees, and this initiative ensures that sanitation workers receive comparable support.
T Kumar, Managing Director of the corporation, and other dignitaries were present at the programme.
Conclusion
The initiative marks a significant step towards improving the welfare of sanitation workers in Mangaluru. By combining financial protection with awareness and preventive healthcare, authorities aim to enhance both worker well-being and the quality of civic services. The success of the scheme will depend largely on how effectively beneficiaries utilise the facilities provided.