Answer By law4u team
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a healthcare initiative launched by the Indian Ministry of Defence to provide medical care to ex-servicemen and their dependents. It is aimed at ensuring that the veterans and their families receive affordable and quality healthcare after retirement from the armed forces. The scheme primarily focuses on offering medical facilities, including outpatient services, hospitalization, and surgery, to beneficiaries across the country.
Objectives of ECHS:
- Provide Healthcare for Ex-Servicemen: The scheme aims to provide comprehensive healthcare to ex-servicemen, including medical treatment, medicines, diagnostic tests, and hospitalization.
- Offer Health Benefits to Dependents: The ECHS also extends healthcare benefits to dependents (spouses, children, and sometimes parents) of ex-servicemen.
- Accessibility to Civil Hospitals: The scheme allows ex-servicemen to access medical care not only at military hospitals but also at empanelled civilian hospitals, making healthcare more accessible.
- Affordable Medical Care: Through this scheme, ex-servicemen receive subsidized and sometimes free medical care, which ensures they don’t face financial hardships when seeking medical attention.
- Simplified Healthcare Process: The scheme simplifies the healthcare process by streamlining the registration process and providing a single point of contact for treatment across various medical facilities.
Eligibility for ECHS:
- Ex-Servicemen: The scheme is available to all ex-servicemen who have retired or been medically discharged from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as those who have completed their tenure in Paramilitary Forces.
- Dependents of Ex-Servicemen: Ex-servicemen’s spouses, children, and in some cases, parents are also eligible for the healthcare benefits under the scheme.
- War Widows & Disabled Veterans: War widows and disabled ex-servicemen receive additional priority and often greater benefits under the scheme.
- Serving Personnel: Certain serving personnel may also be eligible to register in anticipation of their future need for medical benefits after retirement.
Benefits Under ECHS:
Outpatient Treatment:
Ex-servicemen and their families can receive outpatient consultations from ECHS polyclinics (designated military clinics), which are spread across the country. This includes basic medical care, prescription medications, and preventive health checkups.
Hospitalization:
Ex-servicemen and their dependents are entitled to free or subsidized hospitalization at military hospitals or empanelled civilian hospitals. The scheme covers a wide range of treatments, including surgeries, medical procedures, and specialized care.
Specialized Care and Surgeries:
ECHS covers various specialized treatments and surgeries that may not be available in normal medical facilities. For example, orthopedic surgeries, cardiac care, cancer treatments, and dialysis can be availed under the scheme.
Medicines and Diagnostics:
The scheme offers access to free medicines at ECHS polyclinics, and diagnostic tests (such as X-rays, blood tests, and CT scans) are also available at subsidized rates or free of charge.
Rehabilitation Services:
Ex-servicemen suffering from disabilities related to their military service are eligible for rehabilitation services, including physical therapy and prosthetics.
Reimbursement of Medical Expenses:
In cases where treatment is sought at non-empanelled hospitals, ex-servicemen can apply for medical reimbursement under the scheme. This helps cover the costs of treatment when services are provided outside the ECHS network.
Emergency Services:
Ex-servicemen and their families can also avail of emergency medical services, including ambulance services and critical care in life-threatening situations.
Ayush and Alternative Medicine:
The ECHS also provides access to Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy) medicines and treatments through designated facilities.
Maternity Benefits:
Maternity care and related services, such as childbirth, postnatal care, and pediatric services, are also available under ECHS for eligible dependents.
How to Register for ECHS:
Registration Process:
Ex-servicemen need to register under the ECHS scheme as soon as they retire from service or when they are medically discharged.
The registration can be done online through the official ECHS website or by visiting the nearest ECHS Polyclinic or Zila Sainik Board (ZSB).
Ex-servicemen will need to provide documents such as the discharge certificate, pension papers, identity proof, photographs, and details of dependents for registration.
Payment of Contribution:
Ex-servicemen are required to pay an annual contribution to avail of the scheme. This fee varies based on the rank and length of service of the ex-serviceman.
The scheme allows for nominal contributions to make healthcare services affordable.
Card Issuance:
Once registered, ex-servicemen are issued an ECHS card, which is used to avail of medical services at ECHS polyclinics and empanelled civilian hospitals.
Example:
An ex-serviceman from Haryana who retired from the Indian Army five years ago registers for ECHS. After completing the registration at a nearby ECHS polyclinic and paying the annual contribution, he and his wife (his dependent) receive a health card. When he faces health issues such as hypertension, he visits the ECHS polyclinic for regular check-ups and medication, and if any emergency hospitalization is required, they can seek treatment at any empanelled hospital.
Conclusion:
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a comprehensive healthcare program that ensures ex-servicemen and their families have access to quality and affordable medical care after their retirement. With a focus on both preventive and curative healthcare, ECHS is a vital scheme that provides medical security to the veterans who have served the nation selflessly. Through easy access to medical facilities, emergency care, medicines, and treatment, the scheme stands as an essential part of veteran welfare in India.
