Dr. Jayaraj's Early Bird Clinic demonstrates why access must reflect the working lives of the people it serves.
Care shaped around working life
After retiring from NLC India Limited in 2007, Dr. G. Jayaraj began an early-morning clinic for people whose work starts before much of the city wakes.
More than symptom relief
Timely primary care can protect a day's livelihood. Workplace-hygiene guidance can also help domestic workers, vendors, sanitary workers and others understand hazards that formal systems often overlook.
A broader policy lesson
Occupational-health protection cannot stop at the gates of large establishments. Flexible and community-based models are essential if prevention, dignity and access are to reach the unorganised workforce.
This article draws on occupational-health principles and themes in Dr. G. Jayaraj’s Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 and Central Rules, 2026. Interpretation is the author’s professional perspective.