In the villages around Bhadohi in the Indian federal state of Uttar Pradesh, the carpet workers lack medical care. Six carpet producers have agreed to pay for the doctor's visits of the workers together with Label STEP. Now the project ought to be expanded by the aspects of security in the workplace and sensitising the workers for risks of accidents and injuries – because precaution is even better than cure!

For the carpet weavers and other workers of the carpet industry from the villages around Bhadohi visits to the doctor are complicated and expensive. Six producers from the region have begun doing something to change this together with Label STEP: Since the beginning of 2008 the weavers and workers can claim coupons for doctor's visits from their employers and thus can get medical treatment free of charge. The health fund which the producers have founded together with Label STEP takes over the expenses and the doctors settle diminished rates.

Carpet producers get involved

The participation of local structures is central in all projects of Label STEP, because it guarantees the effectiveness of the project on site. In this case the carpet producers finance 50% of the expenses for doctor's visits themselves. Label STEP contributes the rest. On the part of the producers the interest in the well-being of the weavers and workers also has a positive effect on everyday work and the work ethics in the productions.

The coupon system has proved to be successful: Hundreds of consultations have taken place which were paid with coupons. Even four surgeries could be financed from the fund.

Therefore, Label STEP has decided to continue the successful project and to provide financing until the end of 2012. Besides, a meaningful extension of the project will be introduced: a component with the motto “precaution is better than cure” is to be added. At that, the measures which improve security and health in the workplace like the provision of clean drinking water are supported in the first place. Secondly, trainings on subjects like work ergonomics, accident prevention and health precautions are offered to the weavers.