Answer By law4u team
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a healthcare initiative by the Indian government to provide comprehensive medical benefits to ex-servicemen and their dependents. It aims to ensure that veterans and their families receive affordable healthcare services after their retirement or discharge from the armed forces. However, not all individuals are automatically eligible for the scheme; specific eligibility criteria must be met.
Eligibility for ECHS:
Ex-Servicemen:
Ex-servicemen who have retired from the Indian Army, Navy, or Air Force after completing their service tenure are eligible for the ECHS.
This includes individuals who have been medically discharged or released on compassionate grounds.
Ex-servicemen who have served in the Paramilitary Forces such as the Border Security Force (BSF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), etc., are also eligible for ECHS, provided they meet the necessary criteria.
Dependents of Ex-Servicemen:
The dependents of ex-servicemen are also eligible to avail healthcare services under the ECHS scheme. This includes:
- Spouses of ex-servicemen.
- Children (including dependent unmarried daughters and sons up to a certain age limit).
- Parents (if the ex-serviceman is the primary caregiver).
- Widows of deceased ex-servicemen.
Dependents are required to be registered along with the ex-serviceman in order to receive medical benefits.
War Widows and Disabled Veterans:
War widows (spouses of soldiers who died in action or during wartime service) are given special priority under the scheme.
Disabled veterans who have sustained injuries or disabilities during military service are also prioritized and eligible for enhanced medical care.
Serving Personnel (for Future Benefits):
Serving personnel of the Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and other defense services can also register for the ECHS before they retire to avail the benefits post-retirement. These personnel may access the scheme as future beneficiaries once they retire.
Family Members of Serving Personnel:
The family members of serving personnel (i.e., spouses and children) can register under the scheme, but they will only be eligible for the healthcare benefits after the serving personnel retire from service.
Civilian Employees in Defense Services:
Civilian employees working in the Ministry of Defence and who are entitled to pension after retirement may also be eligible for the scheme, but their eligibility depends on the specific regulations set by the Ministry.
Ineligible Categories:
Retired Employees of Non-Defense Organizations:
Individuals who have retired from civilian government jobs or those who were not part of the armed forces or paramilitary forces are not eligible for ECHS.
Servicemen Who Have Not Completed Service Tenure:
If an individual has not completed the mandatory service period (usually 15 years) or has been dismissed or removed from service under disciplinary grounds, they are not eligible for the scheme.
Ex-Servicemen Without Medical Discharge:
Ex-servicemen who were not medically discharged or retired under conditions other than honorable discharge may not qualify for ECHS unless they meet certain specific criteria set by the Ministry of Defence.
Registration Process for Eligibility:
Ex-servicemen and their dependents can register for the scheme by submitting the required documents such as retirement certificate, discharge certificate, pension papers, photographs, and proof of dependents.
Registration can be done online or in-person at the nearest ECHS polyclinic or Zila Sainik Board (ZSB).
After registration, ex-servicemen and their dependents receive an ECHS card, which allows them to access medical services at ECHS polyclinics and empanelled civilian hospitals.
Example:
An ex-serviceman from the Indian Army who retired after 22 years of service and is registered under the ECHS can avail of medical care at an ECHS polyclinic. His wife and two children are also eligible for treatment under ECHS. They are entitled to free medicines, regular check-ups, and emergency medical care at any of the empanelled civilian hospitals listed under the scheme.
Conclusion:
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a crucial health initiative that offers comprehensive healthcare services to ex-servicemen and their families. The eligibility for the scheme is primarily extended to ex-servicemen, dependents, and certain categories of military and paramilitary personnel, ensuring they receive quality and affordable medical care after their service. Through a structured registration process, ECHS helps provide healthcare benefits to veterans, making sure they get the care they deserve after dedicating their lives to serving the nation.
