Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)
Introduction of ECHS
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a healthcare program initiated by the Government of India to provide quality medical care to ex-servicemen and their dependents. Launched in 2003, ECHS aims to ensure comprehensive and accessible healthcare services for retired armed forces personnel. The scheme offers a wide range of medical benefits, including outpatient care, hospitalization, specialist consultations, and diagnostic services, through a network of ECHS polyclinics, government hospitals, and empaneled private hospitals across the country. ECHS is designed to promote the health and well-being of ex-servicemen and their families, acknowledging their service and sacrifice.
Nandadeep Eye Hospital is proud to be an ECHS empanelled hospital, dedicated to providing world-class eye care to our esteemed ex-servicemen. We offer a wide range of eye treatments and surgeries with a team of highly skilled specialists and state-of-the-art technology. Experience the best in eye care. Book your appointment today!
Eligibility For ECHS
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) provides comprehensive healthcare benefits to retired armed forces personnel and their dependents. The eligibility criteria for ECHS are as follows:
Ex-Servicemen
- Individuals who have served in the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) and have been honourably discharged are eligible.
- Retired Officers: All retired officers, including those who retired after completing the requisite service period.
- Retired Personnel: Enlisted personnel who have completed the minimum service required for retirement or discharge.
Family Members
- The legal spouse of the ex-serviceman is eligible for coverage under the scheme.
- Serviceman’s children are studying full-time up to a specified age, generally up to 25 years or as per scheme guidelines.
- In certain cases, dependent parents or in-laws of the ex-serviceman may be eligible based on specific guidelines and entitlements.
Scheme available in branches
Kolhapur
1st floor, Dattwad renaissance, Church road, New Shahupuri, Kolhapur, Maharashtra 416001
+91 -7588084999
Ratnagiri
URL square 1st Floor, Above ICICI Bank, Godbole Bus Stop, Near Maruti Mandir, Ratnagiri - 415612
+91-9577765050For more information visit Official Website
What is covered under scheme ECHS ?
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), including additional aspects and specific provisions:
1. Outpatient Services
- Consultations: ECHS covers consultations with general practitioners and specialists, such as cardiologists, orthopedists, and ophthalmologists. This includes follow-up visits and routine check-ups.
- Diagnostic Tests: This includes blood tests, urinalysis, and other necessary investigations performed at network hospitals or authorized diagnostic centres.
- Minor Procedures: Minor outpatient procedures such as dressing, minor surgical interventions, and diagnostic procedures are covered.
2. Inpatient Services
- Hospitalisation: Coverage includes expenses for room charges, nursing care, food, and other essential hospital services during inpatient stays.
- Surgical Procedures: Major surgeries and procedures that require hospital admission are covered. This also includes pre-operative and post-operative care.
3. Medicinal Expenses
- Prescribed Medicines: Medicines prescribed by doctors, both during hospital stays and outpatient treatment, are covered. Medicines are dispensed through ECHS facilities or reimbursed based on prescriptions.
- Pharmacy Benefits: Medicines can be obtained from ECHS pharmacies at affiliated hospitals, and reimbursement is available for medicines bought from outside if they are not available in ECHS facilities.
4. Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services
- Imaging and Scans: Includes X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and other diagnostic imaging required to diagnose and monitor health conditions.
- Therapies: Coverage includes necessary therapeutic treatments such as dialysis, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commonly required documents include:
- Discharge book or certificate of the ex-serviceman.
- Proof of relationship for dependents (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificates of children).
- Identity proof and address proof.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Any other documents as specified by the ECHS office.
In case of emergency medical care, beneficiaries should seek immediate treatment at the nearest available hospital. ECHS covers emergency care, and if the treatment is provided at a network hospital or an authorised facility like Nandadeep Eye Hospital, it should be processed according to the scheme’s guidelines. For non-network facilities, immediate notification and subsequent claim submission may be necessary.
Contact Us
Mr. Sayan Mukherjee (M. Optom),
Head of the Nandadeep School of Optometry