Treatment Management In ECHS

Treatment Management In ECHS

Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was launched wef 01 Apr 03 as a mandatory scheme whereas it is optional for those retired on or before 31 Mar 03. The beneficiaries include retired pensioners of Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, SFF and Nepal Domiciled Gorkhas (NDGs). Assam Rifles may be added as and when approved by the Govt. At present, being ESM and defence pensioner is the mandatory criteria for ECHS membership. 

The treatment is provided through a chain of Polyclinic (PCs), Service Hospitals, Govt Hospitals and Empanelled Hospitals. Since ECHS primarily serves middle & old age veterans and their dependents, it is therefore essential that the procedures are user-friendly while optimizing the allocated budget and preventing unfair practices. It has been experienced that majority of problems being faced by ECHS beneficiaries are primarily due to lack of clarity on rules and regulations at all ends, be it the beneficiary, ECHS Staff at different echelons, service and empanelled hospitals. The problem is further compounded due to subjective interpretation of rules and regulations.