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The Union Cabinet today approved a proposal to exempt those war disabled pensioners from the payment of contribution for Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), who were disabled due to injuries received during proclaimed wars or any other encounters which had been specifically accorded such status.
This decision seeks to provide comprehensive medical care to around six thousand war disabled Pensioners and dependents on the pattern of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) free of cost.
The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), in its meeting held on October 16, 2002, considered the note from Ministry of Defence for providing comprehensive medical care to ex-servicemen, war widows and their dependents and approved the proposal for introduction of Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). Based on the CCS approval, ECHS was introduced with effect from April 1, 2003.
The scheme envisages setting up of 227 polyclinics at 104 military and 123 non-military stations. The scheme also provides for empanelment of hospitals and diagnostic centers to which the patient can be referred by polyclinics, as necessary.
ECHS is a contributory health scheme on the pattern of Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), the contribution varying from Rs.1800/- to Rs.18000/- depending on the pension/family pension. It is compulsory for retirees with effect from April 1, 2003. Those who had retired prior to this date have been given time till March 31, 2008 to exercise their option. The scheme would become fully operational in 2008. Meanwhile, the scheme has already become functional with 162 polyclinics set up in Army clinics/Temporary structures.
Subsequently, war widows were exempted from paying contribution for joining ECHS following a decision taken by the CCS in its meeting held on December 19, 2003.
YSR/DS/HS/LV
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