Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)

     Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was launched with effect from 01 Apr 03 has now been extended to uniformed Indian Coast Guard Pensioners. The aim of the Scheme is to provide quality medicare to its members and their authorised dependants through 227 ECHS Polyclinics (106 in Military Stations and 121 in Non Military Stations) countrywide and a network of service and empanelled hospitals and diagnostic centres. The advantages of becoming an ECHS member are as under: -

• The Scheme will provide quality medicare to all eligible pensioners, their widows and authorized dependants, and is within easy reach.

• It covers complete spectrum of eligible pensioners settled in far flung areas, through a network of polyclinics in Military and Non Military Stations.

• The Scheme is fully financed by the Government. There is a network of 227 polyclinics, i.e. 106 Military and 121 Non Military Station Polyclinics based entirely on density of eligible pensioners in various regions. The number of Polyclinics may increase in subsequent years.

• There are civil empanelled hospitals, diagnostic centres and consultants to provide in patient treatment/consultancy, in addition to Service hospitals.

• It covers all diseases.

• An ECHS member who possesses a ECHS Smart Card can avail immediate treatment at any ECHS Polyclinic anywhere in India. However, full range of facilities will be available only from his/her dependent (Parent) polyclinic.

• There is no restriction on age or medical condition at the time of seeking membership of the Scheme.