New Delhi: Delhi Assembly on Monday kicked off its annual free health check-up programme for sitting MLAs. Speaker Vijender Gupta inaugurated the initiative at Sant Parmanand Hospital.The health screening drive, aimed at early detection of ailments and ensuring the overall health of MLAs, will continue until Feb 14, during which all 70 MLAs, including the chief minister and ministers, are expected to undergo comprehensive medical tests.
Gupta said effective public service was possible only when public representatives were physically fit, mentally healthy and emotionally positive. “Regular health check-ups are an important part of preventive health services, which enable the timely identification of diseases and prevention of serious health problems in the future. Healthy public representatives alone form the foundation of strong institutional functioning and an effective democratic system,” he added. Under the Medical Attendance Rules and the Delhi Govt Employees Health Scheme (DGEHS) provisions, MLAs are entitled to free medical treatment similar to Group A officers and/or reimbursement, as well as free accommodation at all govt hospitals and empanelled panel/referral hospitals recognised by govt.According to officials, the health check-up programme was initiated under the existing health framework of Delhi govt and was finalised after discussions and consensus among members of the House. Under the schedule, six MLAs will undergo health check-ups each day over the two-week period. On the first day, MLAs Surya Prakash Khatri, Poonam Bhardwaj and Anil Jha participated in the medical examinations. The Speaker highlighted the importance of preventive healthcare, particularly for individuals above the age of 40, noting that regular medical screenings play a crucial role in identifying health issues at an early stage. “Elected representatives remain constantly engaged with the public and face demanding schedules. Regular health monitoring ensures they can continue to discharge their responsibilities effectively,” he said. Gupta also revealed that Delhi Assembly was considering making the health check-up programme a biannual exercise in the future. Delhi has 70 MLAs, of which 48 belong to BJP and 22 to the opposition AAP.
