A scheme to provide basic occupational health services for
migrant workers will be launched by the Chinese government this
year.
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The initial pilot scheme in 20 counties over 10 provinces arrives
as the Ministry of Health prepares to conduct a survey on the
occupational health of migrant workers, said a ministry official in
Beijing Monday.
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The ministry has listed the study as a priority said Su Zhi, deputy
head of the Division of Supervision under the ministry.
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The basic health services would be paid for by employers under
existing laws but the ministry has asked the State Council to
establish a fund to help cover the costs of migrant workers'
healthcare in cases of occupational illness and injury.
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The number of migrant workers is estimated at 120 million and the
those employed in rural enterprises is put at 80 million, according
to a report released by the State Council.
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Most migrant workers in cities and rural areas were employed in
arduous and difficult jobs but had no medical insurance and little
knowledge of safety issues making them a high-risk group
to?occupational illness and injury, said Li Dehong, an expert
with the China Center for Disease Control.
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Moreover, 90 percent of enterprises were small or medium-sized and
had little awareness of occupational hazards and provided few
safety measures for their employees, said Health Vice Minister,
Chen Xiaohong.
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The ministry would set up a pilot network to improve reporting and
monitoring of occupational ill health as the existing system was
incomplete, said Su Zhi.
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Health files should be kept at migrant workers' hometowns as it was
usual for them to return home during the traditional new year
period, he said.
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Last year the ministry had received 12,212 reports of occupational
illness. Of these 75.11 percent related to pneumoconiosis which is
a chronic disease of the lungs resulting from long-term inhalation
of dust and mainly affects miners, sandblasters and metal
grinders.
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In addition more than 200 cases of acute occupational poisoning
occurred every year which caused millions of yuan in economic
losses, said Chen Xiaohong.
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The Ministry of Health and the State Administration of Work Safety
would jointly improve monitoring of occupational illness control
and educate employers on the law and their social responsibilities,
he said.
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The two departments and the All-China Federation of Trade Unions
jointly awarded 56 enterprises with the 'State model enterprise on
occupational health' accolade on Monday. They were judged on strict
standards based on existing guidelines and regulations, funding,
working conditions,? equipment and the provision of health
insurance for employees.?
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The enterprises are expected to share and publicize their
experiences with other businesses in and effort to promote
occupational health.
(Xinhua News Agency April 25, 2006)
