eligibility - ECHS

CITIZEN-CHARTER ECHS : ESM (PENSIONERS)
INTRODUCTION
1. Retired Armed Forces personnel till 2002 could avail medical facilities only for
specific high cost surgery/treatment for a limited number of diseases covered under the
Army Group Insurance(Medical Branch Scheme) (AGI(MBS)) and Armed Forces Group
Insurance Scheme(Management Information System) (AFGIS (MIS)) schemes. These
medicare schemes could provide some relief to the ESM, but it was not a comprehensive
scheme as compared to and available for other Central Government Employees.
Therefore, the requirement was felt of establishing a medicare system which could provide
quality medicare to the retirees of the Armed Forces.
2. Based on this noble aim, and after detailed deliberations, a comprehensive scheme
has taken shape as ECHS, authorised vide Government of India, Ministry of Defence letter
No 22(i) 01/US/D(Res) dated 30 Dec 2002. The ECHS was launched with effect from 01
Apr 2003. With the advent of this scheme. Ex-servicemen pensioners and their dependants
who were only entitled for treatment in service hospital are now authorised treatment, not
only in service hospitals, but also in those civil/private hospitals which are specifically
empanelled with the ECHS
3. The Scheme is financed by Govt of India.
CONCEPT OF ECHS
4. Conceptually the ECHS is to be managed through the existing infrastructure of the
Armed Forces in order to minimise the administrative expenditure. The existing
infrastructure includes command and control structure, spare capacity of Service Medical
facilities (Hospitals and MI Rooms), procurement organisations for medical and non medical
equipment, defence land and buildings etc.
5. In order to ensure minimal disruption of the Scheme during war/training and availability of
ECHS services in non military areas above mentioned resources are to be supplemented
as follows :-
(a)
(b)
Establishing new Armed Forces Polyclinics in Non Military areas.
Augmenting existing medical facilities/clinics in some selected military stations
to cater for heavy ESM load (Augmented Armed Forces Clinics).
(c)
(d)
Empanelling civil hospitals and diagnostic centres.
Finances.
ORGANISATION OF ECHS
6. The ECHS Central Organisation is located at Delhi and functions under the COSC
through AG and DGDC&W in Army HQ. The Central organisation is headed by Managing
Director, ECHS, a serving Major General. Detailed Organisation of Central organisation
ECHS is at Appendix ‘A’. There are 13 Regional Centres ECHS. Their location and
organisation is given at Appendix ‘B’.
7. Details of military stations where existing medical facilities have been
augmented (Augmented Armed Forces Clinics) and details of Stations where new Armed
Forces Polyclinics have been established are at Appendix ‘C’.

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8. There are four types of Augmented/New Polyclinics i.e. Type ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ & ‘D’.
Authorisation of Personnel in each type is given at Appendix ‘D’.
9. Command and Control. The existing Command and Control Structure of the Army,
Navy and Air Force have been given the Administrative and Financial Powers to run this
Scheme. Station Commanders will exercise direct Control over the ECHS polyclinics.
Station Headquarters will be able to clarify any doubts that you may have. ECHS Regional
Centres are under Command HQ/ Area HQ. Central Org ECHS functions as part of AG’s
Branch, Army HQ.
ADVANTAGES OF BECOMING ECHS MEMBER
1. No age or medical condition bar for becoming a member.
2. Life time contribution ranges from Rs 1800/- to Rs 18000/- (depending upon basic
uncommuted pension). The contribution rates of new retirees is under upward revision.
3. No monetary ceiling on treatment.
4. Indoor/outdoor treatment, tests and medicines.
5. Country wide network of ECHS Polyclinics.
6. Familiar environment and sense of belongingness.
7. Covers spouse and all eligible dependents.
SUMMARY OF SUPREME COURT JUDGEMENT DATED 22 AUG 2006
REGARDING MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR RETIRED ARMY MEN
1. In 1999, a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution was filed as Public Interest
Litigation (PIL) by Confederation of Ex-Servicemen Associations praying for recognizing the
right of full and free medicare of ex-servicemen, their families and dependants. The petition
came up for hearing before a two Judge Bench during May 1999 and the Bench ordered
the matter to be placed before a Bench of Five Judges. The matter was subsequently
heard by a Bench of five Judges and judgement was finally given on 22 Aug 2006.
2. Supreme court has opined the following:-
(a) A Contributory Scheme such as ECHS ‘cannot be held illegal, unlawful or
unconstitutional’.
(b) One time contribution amount from Rs 1800/- to Rs 18000/- ‘cannot be said
to be excessive, disproportionate or unreasonably high. It cannot be held ‘illegal’,
unlawful, arbitrary or otherwise unreasonable’.
(c) ‘Getting free and full medical facilities is not a part of fundamental right of Ex-
Servicemen’.
(d) The Court was concerned with the cases of those ESM who have retired
before 01 Jan 1996.

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(e) The Govt should consider granting waiver of contribution by Pre 01 Jan 1996
retiree ESMs or Govt pay contribution on behalf of such veterans.
3. Instructions were received from the Govt not to charge contribution from all Pre
01 Jan 1996 retiree ESM in future who want to become members of ECHS in Apr 2007 and
the same are being implemented. For the refund of those Pre 01 Jan 1996 retiree ESM who
had paid contribution and become members earlier, the case is still under consideration.
ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS
1. Eligibility For ECHS Membership. The Scheme caters for medical care to all ESM
pensioners including disability and family pensioners and their dependents, which includes
wife/husband, legitimate children and wholly dependent parents. To be eligible for
membership of ECHS a person must meet following two conditions:- (Auth Central Org
ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 01 Jun 2006) :-
(a)
(b)
Should have ESM Status.
Should be drawing normal Service /Disability/ Family Pension.
Ex-Servicemen Status
2. The eligibility of the retired defence personnel for status of ex-servicemen is
governed by the definition laid down by Department of Personnel and Training, Ministry of
HRD, Govt of India. The definition has been undergoing changes from time to time.
3. Those Released Before 01 Jul 1968. Any person who had served in any rank
(whether as Combatant or not) in the Armed Forces of the Union and released from there
other than by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inefficiency.
4. Those Released on or After 01 Jul 1968 But Before 01 Jul 1979. Any person who
had served in any rank (whether as a Combatant or not) in the Armed Forces of the Union
for a continuous period of not less than six months after attestation and released from there
other than by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inefficiency.
5. Those Released on or After 01 Jul 1979 But Before 01 Jul 1987. Any person who
had served in any rank (whether as a Combatant or not) in the Armed Forces of the Union
for a continuous period of not less than six months after attestation if discharged for
reasons other than at their own request or by way of dismissal or discharge on account of
misconduct or inefficiency and not less than 5 years of service if discharged at own request.
6. Those Released on or After 01 Jul 1987. An ‘Ex-Servicemen’ means a person,
who has served in any rank whether as a combatant or non combatant in the Regular Army,
Navy and Air Force of the Indian Union and
(a) Who retired from such service after earning his/her pension; or
(b) Who has been released from such service on medical grounds attributable to
military service or circumstances beyond his control and awarded medical or other
disability pension; or
(c) Who has been released, otherwise than on his own request from such service
as a result of reduction in establishment; or

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(d) Who has been released from such service after completing the specific period
of engagement, otherwise than at his own request or by way of dismissal or
discharge on account of misconduct or inefficiency, and has been given a gratuity
and includes personnel of the Territorial Army of the following categories namely:-
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Pension holders for continuous embodied service.
Persons with disability attributable to military service; and
Gallantry award winners.
7. The Territorial Army personnel will however be treated as Ex-Servicemen wef
15 Nov 1986.
8. Govt of India, Ministry of Defence (Deptt of Ex-Servicemen Welfare) vide its Office
Memorandum No 12/1/2005/D(Res) dated 01 Feb 06 has conveyed with the approval of
Hon’able Raksha Mantri that such Recruits who were boarded out/released on Medical
Grounds and granted Medical/Disability Pension, will also be covered under the category of
Ex-Servicemen for all practical purposes.
9. The eligibility of person for the status of ex-servicemen will be governed by the
definition in vogue at the time of discharge and will not be affected by the changes in the
definition subsequent to his discharge.
10. The personnel of the Army Postal Service (APS) who are a part of the regular Army
and retired from such service, ie directly from the Army Postal Service itself without
reversion to P&T Department with a pension or who have been released from such service
on medical grounds, attributable to military service, or circumstances beyond their control
and awarded medical or other disability pension are also covered within the definition of
ex-servicemen with effect from 19 Jul 1989.
11. The following are also eligible for membership of ECHS:-
(a)
Members of Military Nursing Service (MNS).
(b) Whole time officers (WTOs) of National Cadet Corps (NCC) who are Ex-
Servicemen/NOK, and are in receipt of pension/disability pension/family pension.
(Auth ; Central Org ECHS letter No B/49764/AG/ECHS dt 10 Oct 2003)
(c) I588 Emergency Commissioned Officers (ECOs)/Short Service
Commissioned Officers (SCOs) who were permanently absorbed in National Cadet
Corps as Whole Time Officers (WTOs) after their release from the Armed Forces
meeting the twin conditions of being an ex-servicemen and in receipt of
pension/family pension/disability pension. (Auth ; Central Org ECHS letter No
B/49764/AG/ECHS dt 10 Oct 2003)
(d) Indian Coast Guard Pensioners and retired Personnel of Defence Security
Corps. (Auth ; Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-CG/AG/ECHS dt 02 May 08 &
letter No B/49701-DSC/AG/ECHS dt 17 Apr 08)

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(e) Service Officers who, prior to completing their pensionable service, joined
PSUs like Air India, Indian Airlines, Pawan Hans and Shipping Corporation of India,
in organisational interest, and Govt had sanctioned pension to these officers on a
pro-rata basis. On secondment or transfer to PSUs these officers received their
pension either as lump sum or full commutation, or on monthly basis. They would be
deemed to comply with the condition of being in receipt of pension from Defence
Sources. However a mandatory certificate will have to be endorsed by these ESM in
their Affidavit stating that “I certify that I am NOT a member of any other govt/PSU
medical health Scheme”. The following documents will be submitted alongwith
Application Form:-
(i) Certificate from current/last employer clearly stating that his previous
pension(from service in Armed Forces) has been merged with current
pension.
(ii) Copy of PPO, if available or Pension Book / Discharge Book in respect of
PBOR.
(iii) Service Particulars Retired/Released Officer’s (Booklet) in respect of
officers.
(Auth ; Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 19 Apr 07)
12. Pension. For the purposes of eligibility for the ECHS, the word “pension” implies any
type of pension received from Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension) or its subordinate
offices. In case an ESM joins a second career and his pension from the Defence Services
Estimates is merged, the second pension earned after retirement from the second career is
also eligible for these ESM/their widows for seeking ECHS membership, subject to
fulfillment of other conditions of eligibility for ECHS membership.
13. Family Pensioner. Implies the legally wedded spouse of an Armed Forces
personnel, whose name figures in the Service Records of the personnel and whose
husband/wife has died either while in service or after retirement and is granted family
pension. This term also includes a child or children drawing family pension on the death of
his/her pension drawing father/mother, as also parents of a deceased bachelor soldier,
who are in receipt of family pension.
(Auth ; Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 26 Mar 2007
14. Eligibility Status for Dependents. The following qualify to be dependents of ESM:-
(a) Parents. Father and Mother of the pensioner shall be deemed to be
dependent if they normally reside with the ESM pensioner, and their combined
income from all sources is less than Rs 3500/-pm. If both husband and wife are
Defence Personnel, parents of both members are eligible if both pay subscription
subject to meeting dependency criteria.
(b)
Spouse
(i) Legally wedded spouse.(More than one spouse and children from the
second spouse are not permitted to avail ECHS benefits).
(ii)
Name should be included in the record of service.
(iii) Legally separated spouse is included as long as the ESM pensioner is
responsible for her maintenance.

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(iv) If the spouse is employed in Govt service then he/she can only be a
member of any one Govt/Public sector medical benefit Scheme and not be a
simultaneous member of two Govt medical Schemes.
(v) If a war widow remarries, then she alone is eligible. Her husband and
children from him will not be eligible.
(vi) In case the ESM pensioner marries after retirement, following
documents will be required as proof for dependency of wife :-
(aa) Marriage certificate from authorised Registrar of
Marriages/Municipal Committee.
(ab) Fresh ECHS Application Form for enrolling the spouse as a
dependent.
(ac) Part II Orders /Gen Form/Personal Occurrence published.
(c)
Daughter(s)
(i)
Her/their details must exist in the service record of the pensioner.
(ii) Unmarried as well as divorced daughter (s) with total income from all
sources less than Rs 3500/-per month.
(iii) Widowed daughters who are dependant on the pensioner and whose
income from all sources is less than Rs 3500/- per month are entitled.
(iv) In case daughter is born after the pensioner’s joining ECHS, following
documents will be required to enable the child to be declared as a dependant
and to become entitled to ECHS benefits :-
(aa)
(ab)
Birth Certificate.
Fresh ECHS Application Form to enrol her as a dependant.
(ac) Part II Orders/Gen Forms/Personal Occurrence are required to
be published stating birth of the child or an Affidavit by the widow in
case the ESM pensioner could not get Part II Orders published for
birth of his children.
(d)
Son(s)
(i)
His/their details must be included in the pensioners Record of Service.
(ii) His total income from all sources should not exceed Rs 3500/-pm.
Son(s) above 25 years of age are not eligible to be dependent(s) in ECHS.
(iii) In case where the son(s) is/are born after the pensioner’s joining the
ECHS, the following documents will be required as proof of dependency:-

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(aa)
(ab)
Birth Certificate.
Fresh ECHS Application Form to enroll him as a dependant.
(ac) Part II Orders/Gen Forms/Personal Occurrence stating birth of
the child or an Affidavit by the widow in case the ESM pensioner
could not get Part II Orders published for birth of his children.
(e) Children with Permanent Disability. Children suffering from permanent
physical or mental disability and are unable to earn their livelihood are permitted to
be dependents for life time, irrespective of age limit or medical condition. The
certificate of disability is to be certified, by either the Service Classified Specialist or
a Civil Surgeon.
(Auth ; Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 05 Apr 2007)
15. Specific Conditions for Continuance of Eligibility. In case an ESM pensioner
(male/female) has declared his/her parents as dependants, they shall continue to receive
ECHS benefits for their life time, subject only to the condition that their joint income from all
sources does not exceed Rs 3500/-pm from all sources. In the event of the male
pensioner’s death, the widow shall be covered as she will start drawing family pension but,
her parents will NOT become eligible as dependants. However, parents of the deceased
pensioner, if already enrolled as dependants, would continue to enjoy benefits of the ECHS
in the event of death of the ESM pensioner, provided their joint income from all sources
does not exceed Rs 3500/- pm.
16. Persons NOT Eligible under ECHS. The following are NOT eligible for becoming
members of ECHS:-
(a) Whole time NCC officers who do not meet the twin conditions referred to
under Para 1 of this chapter.
(b) Ex-ECOs/SSCO’s who do not meet twin conditions referred to at para 1 of this
chapter.
(c)
Legally divorced spouse.
(d) Married and/ or employed daughters/and any child whose total monthly
income from all sources is more than Rs 3500/-.
(e) Son(s) above 25 years of age or who have starting earning which ever is
earlier.
(f) Parents of widow/war widow.
(g) Husband of a remarried war widow. Including children born from him.

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PROCEDURE FOR BECOMING MEMBER OF ECHS
1. Procedure for Pre 01 Apr 2003 Retirees. The procedure for becoming ECHS
members applicable to the ESM pensioners who have retired on or before 31 Mar 2003 will
be as follows:-
(a) Collect application forms from nearest Station HQs of Army/Navy/Air Force.
Forms can also be downloaded from internet website
www.indianarmy.nic.in/arechs.htm. Sample att at appx E.
(b) Submission of Completed Application Forms. Designated Station
Headquarters of Army/Navy/Air Force are the only authorized collection points.
Pensioners are required to personally report to their nearest Station HQs
with the completed application form, alongwith original/photocopy of the following
documents:-
(i) Pension Payment Order (PPO), copy duly attested by Bank/Treasury
from where pension is being drawn. Pre-1986 pensioners may submit
copy of Pension Book showing rate of pension.
(ii)
DPDO/Bankers Certificate.
(iii) Discharge Book or Certificate/Dependent I-Cards (issued for Naval
Offrs)/ Personnel Occurrence Report.
(iv) Two copies (in original) of the Military Receivable Order (MRO) as
proof of deposit of contribution (Not Applicable to those who are exempted
from payment of ECHS contribution).
(v)
(vi)
Affidavit duly notarised.
Demand Draft for Smart Cards.
(c) Membership will commence from the date of receipt of correctly filled
Application Form at Station HQ. On receipt of correctly filled Application Form Stn
HQ will give receipt to the individual.
2. Procedure For Becoming Member of ECHS (Post 01 Apr 2003 retirees). The
ECHS membership for post 01 Apr 2003 retirees is compulsory. The contribution amount in
respect of these Veterans is being deducted by the pension paying authorities. All
documents (less PPO) as per para 1 (b) above alongwith Application Form will also be
submitted by such retirees to their Record Offices.
3. Commencement of Membership. An applicant is considered a member of
ECHS when his application alongwith all requisite documents is accepted at designated
Stn HQ or from the date of retirement for new retirees provided his correctly filled
Application Form is accepted by the Record Office.

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Notes: - (a). Deduction of contribution by the CDA or deposition of contribution
through MRO is no guarantee for grant of membership
(b) Identity cards issued by Zila Sainik Board will not be accepted as a proof of
identification.
(c) Fixed Medical Allowance. ESM joining ECHS would cease to be entitled for
FMA of Rs 100/-pm as authorised earlier in their PPO. The individuals should
approach their Pension Disbursing Authority to ensure stoppages of FMA. ECHS will
not be responsible for subsequent lump sum deduction of FMA.
(d) ECHS is not responsible for refund of excess deposition of contribution. Same
should be claimed from the concerned CDA by individuals. ECHS functionaries at
Station HQ/ Regional Centres will assist individuals, if requested. The refund of
excess remittance of ECHS subscription, if made, will be afforded by the concerned
PCDA/CDA to the beneficiaries on receipt of a pre-receipted contingent bill
countersigned by the ECHS authorities along with a Xerox copy of the MRO.
4. Disposal of Receipt after Receiving Smart Card(s). Once an individual receives
the Smart Card(s) his earlier obtained receipt will be returned and preserved alongwith his
application Form at the respective Station HQs/ECHS Regional Centre.
5. Smart Card
(a) The Card. A card with a 32 KB chip is being issued to all members as
proof of membership of the Scheme. The Card is usable at all the 227 polyclinics
across the country, after its activation by giving thumb impression at Parent
Polyclinic. The Smart Card stores various details, both in the physical as well as
digital form, which can be accessed at all polyclinics.
(b) Quantity. One primary card will be issued to pensioner/ Family
Pensioner and each member can have an individual card to provide flexibility of
treatment across the country as per their requirement. In addition a war disabled/
battle casualty can be issued a white card for life dependency once eligibility is
established.
(c) Existing members will have the option of continuing with the current card
albeit with limited facilities or to opt for the new card.
(d)
Cost. The cost of each card is Rs 135/- and is to be borne by the member.
(e) Amendment to Card. Any subsequent amendment to the Card desired by the
member will require a fresh card to be made on approval of ECHS Organisation,
and cost to be borne by the member.
(f) Loss of Card. In case of loss of a Smart Card (s)/Temporary Receipt
ECHS member will submit application on plain paper with complete details of lost
Card(s) to dependent polyclinics/Stn/HQ for issue of duplicate cards.

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6. Contribution All ESM pensioners are required to make a one time contribution
based on their uncommuted basic monthly pension (including Dearness Pension). A
concession has been made in respect of old retirees, who can pay their contribution in three
consecutive, equal yearly installments. Contribution rates wef 01 Apr 2004 is as under:-
Grade Pay drawn at the
time of retirement
Grade Pay 1800/-, 1900/-,
2000/-, 2400/- and 2800/- per
month
Contribution
(in Rupees)
Rs. 15,000/-
Rs.4200 /- per month Rs. 27000/-
Rs. 4600/- , 4800/- 5400/-,
6600/-, per month
Rs. 7600/- and above per
month
Rs. 39000/-
Rs. 60,000/-
Notes (a) War Widows and Next of Kin’s of deceased Soldier who are in receipt
of ‘Liberalized Family Pension’ are exempted from payment of ECHS
contribution.
(b)
(c)
War disabled soldiers are exempted from payment of ECHS contribution.
Pre-1996 retirees are exempted from contribution.
7. Parent Polyclinic. Every member will be allotted a parent polyclinic, one nearest to
his permanent/ temporary residence. Irrespective of parent polyclinic a member can take
treatment at any polyclinic in India. If required a member can be given referral to hospital by
any polyclinic as per referral policy. However, member can be issued with only seven days
medicines at a time from non parent polyclinic unless he carries a Temporary Attachment
Certificate (TAC). The validity of TAC is for six months at a time.
8. Change of Parent Polyclinic (Old Card holder). The member is to submit the
following to nearest Stn HQs for change of Parent Polyclinic:-
(a)
An application on plain paper clearly giving following details:-
(i) Old ECHS Regn Number.
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Old Address.
Old Parent Polyclinic.
New Address.
New Parent Polyclinic.
(b)
An undertaking on a separate plain paper stating that:-
(i) No information has been concealed or suppressed.
(ii) Any false information submitted will make him liable for termination of his
ECHS membership.

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(c)
Proof of new address like electricity/telephone/water bills/RWA certificate etc.
(d) A fresh ECHS application form with relevant columns filled and superscribed
“CHANGE OF ADDRESS “ and “CHANGE OF PARENT POLYCLINIC”.
(e)
Return the old cards duly defaced.
(f) Deposit DD on the name of concerned Regional Centre @ Rs 135/-per card
requested.
9. Station HQs will receive the application form and provide “Receipt of Documents
duly affixed photographs” which will be valid for 60 days and thereafter to be revalidated
if ECHS Smart Cards are not received. ECHS member should personally collect the cards
from Stn HQ within 60 days of submission of application.
10. Station HQ will place the demand to SITL through concerned Regional Centre ECHS for
remanufacturing of Smart Cards as per request of the member. SITL will issue fresh cards
duly indicating new address and new parent polyclinic. SITL will also maintain details of old
address and old parent polyclinic in their data base.
11. Change of Parent Polyclinic (New Card holder). The ECHS beneficiaries those who
want to change his parent (original) polyclinic will be able to do so for any polyclinic of his
choice and need. Once the parent polyclinic has been changed, reversion/second change
of the parent polyclinics will be admissible only upon the expiry of a period of six months.
The change of the parent polyclinic can be done at the receiption centre of any polyclinic
with approval of OIC polyclinic.
PROCEDURES FOR TREATMENT, ISSUE OF
MEDICINES AND REFERRAL PROCEDURE
1. Treatment
(a) The first contact point for availing treatment for ECHS members and their
dependents is the nearest ECHS Polyclinic.
(b) The doctor (s) at Polyclinics will provide required out-patient treatment and
medicines.
(c) If further treatment or investigations are required, it will be provided through
Service Hospitals, civil empanelled hospitals and diagnostic centres on referral from
the polyclinic.
(d) Patients will be referred to the local Service Hospital in the Station (if
available) subject to availability of speciality/facility. Only in case of non availability of
facilities or bed space at local Service Hospital, the patient can be referred to the
desired empanelled hospital/diagnostic centre as per his/her choice. Once referral to
empanelled facility is recommended, the ECHS member will have the right to make
the selection of desired empanelled hospital in the station.
(e) On completion of treatment in empanelled hospitals, the patient is requested
to sign the bills raised by the hospital so that treatment charged for, is confirmed to
have been provided.

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2. Payment to Empanelled Hospitals. Empanelled facilities are paid directly by local
Station HQ on behalf of ECHS for treatment provided or diagnostic tests carried out on
ECHS beneficiaries on referral. Members are NOT to pay to empanelled hospitals.
Payments made by ECHS Members to empanelled hospitals are NOT reimbursable.
Payment to the empanelled facilities by ECHS is at ‘rates’ as per Memorandum of
Agreement. Certain facilities like telephone, television, transport, food/catering (except in
certain specified cases) are not entitled and charges for these, if availed, have to be borne
by the patient. Certain medical procedures require prior approval as per laid down
guidelines. Request for such ‘prior approvals’ will be initiated by the empanelled hospital on
a specified ‘form’, which the hospital is required to submit to the concerned SEMO. Once
approved, the expenditure incurred on the particular medical procedure will be borne by
ECHS. Unapproved medical procedures, if carried out, should be with patient’s consent.
Payment for such a procedure has to be borne by the members and is NOT liable to be
paid by ECHS. In case such charges are levied by empanelled hospitals without the
patient’s consent, please inform your Polyclinic/SEMO/Stn HQs, so that necessary action
can be taken against the empanelled facilities concerned.
3. Emergency Treatment. In case of an Emergency, treatment can be availed as
follows:-
(a) Service Hospital. Free treatment provided and no further action is required.
(b) Empanelled Hospitals. Nearest ECHS polyclinic is to be informed within 48
hr (two working days) of admission by the hospital. After verification of emergency,
referral is generated by the polyclinic for the hospital. Treatment is provided by the
empanelled hospital. Members are not to make any payment. However, if
emergency is not established, referral will NOT be provided and member has to
make payment which is NOT reimbursable.
(c) Non-Empanelled Hospitals. Nearest polyclinic is to be informed by the
member/patient/NOK within 48 hrs (two working days). After verification, an
“Emergency Information Report” (EIR) is initiated by the OIC polyclinic. Hospital bills
are to be cleared by the member. In case of emergency in a station other than home
station of the ECHS beneficiary, the EIR is to be obtained from the nearest
Polyclinic. In case of emergency in a station without any Polyclinic, the nearest
Polyclinic should be informed by telephone/fax/telegram. Proof of such intimation
should be attached with the claim. Claim for re-imbursement alongwith original bills
and investigation reports, bill summary, discharge summary, photocopy of ECHS
Smart Card, Emergency Certificate by the Hospital/treating doctor and the EIR
should be submitted alongwith a written application by the member to the OIC
Polyclinic explaining circumstance of emergency (briefly) and with a request to
process the claim. All bills of treatment will be submitted to parent polyclinic within
one month of termination of hospitalization. Onus of proving emergency lies with the
ECHS member. Reimbursement will be admitted at approved rates and subject to
conditions.

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4. Conditions of Emergency. It is emphasised that ECHS is designed to be a
cashless scheme as far as possible. Treatment is to be availed at authorised hospitals ON
REFERRAL ONLY. Reimbursement is permitted only in circumstances which are
unavoidable due to absolute Emergency. The conditions of Emergency are as under:-
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
(j)
(k)
(l)
(m)
Acute Cardiac conditions/syndromes.
Vascular catastrophies.
Cerebro-Vascular accidents.
Acute respiratory emergencies.
Acute abdominal pain.
Life threatening injuries.
Acute poisonings and snake bite.
Acute endocrine emergencies.
Heat stroke and cold injuries of life threatening nature.
Acute renal failure.
Severe infections leading to life threatening situations.
Any other condition in which delay could result in loss of life or limb.
Auth : Central Org ECHS letter No B/49774/AG/ECHS/Referral dt 01 Dec 09.
5. In cases where date of emergency hospital admission is PRIOR to membership,
reimbursement for ongoing emergency that spell of hospitalisation is NOT reimbursable.
6. Issue of Medicines
(a) Members/dependants are required to visit polyclinics and register themselves
for issue of any kind of medicine. Superspeciality medicines may take some time for
procurement. Medicines will be issued for duration as prescribed by the treating
doctors.
(b)
Medicine issues will be on the basis of Generic names only.
(c) For patients with chronic diseases on long term treatment, medicines may be
issued for a max period of 90 days at a time, if the treating doctor prescribes and
review of the patient during the period is not due.
(d) Medicines issued from any polyclinic other than “Parent Polyclinic” will be
restricted to a max of 07 days at a time, unless Temporary Attachment Certificate is
carried.
(e) For patients admitted/advised treatment in Service Hospital, medicines for
upto one month will be issued from the Service Hospital concerned on discharge.
However, for long term medications, patient will get medicines for use beyond one
month period from his/her parent polyclinic. For this, the patient should put in a
demand (beyond one month) with his Parent Polyclinic AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

14
(f) Medicines prescribed on discharge from empanelled hospitals will be issued
from Polyclinic. However, if the same is not available, the following action will be
taken:-
(i) In Non Military Station OIC Polyclinic will arrange procurement through
SEMO and issue at the earliest.
(ii) In Non Military Stations, the OIC Polyclinic can procure essential
medicine requirement for 07 days at a time from an empanelled chemist and
issue to the patient. Vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements and Tonics
will NOT to be purchased from Empanelled Chemist unless Therapeutically
prescribed.
(iii) In following cases patients can purchase medicines for one month
period after discharge from hospital/review if the same is ‘Not Available’ from
Polyclinic, and claim reimbursement of the same:-
(aa)
(ab)
(ac)
(ad)
(ae)
Post operative cases of major Cardiac Surgery/Interventional
Cardiology.
Oncology.
Post operative organ transplant cases.
Post operative joint replacement cases.
Post operative major Neurosurgical/Neurology cases.
(g) Only generic medicines will be issued from Polyclinics. Generic equivalent of
Branded medicines prescribed by Specialists of empanelled Hospitals will be issued.
Branded medicine may be issued on non availability of generic equivalent in the
existing list of PVMS and NIV drugs only. This list contains all the essential drugs,
as approved by the DGAFMS, and is updated periodically.
Auth ; Central Org ECHS letter No B/49773/AG/ECHS dt 05 Apr 2004,
B/49762/AG/ECHS dt 23 Oct 2006 and B/49762/AG/ECHS dt 04 Aug 06.
7. Equipment For Home Use. Specified medical equipment has been authorised by
the Govt to be issued to the ECHS members for home use, under laid down conditions. List
of authorised equipments is as under:-
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Hearing Aids.
Artificial Limbs/Appliances.
Glucometers and Nebulisers.
CIPAP/BIPAP Machines.
Spectacles (For post conventional cataract surgery cases only).
Auth : Central Org ECHS letter No B/49773/AG/ECHS dt 05 Apr 2004.
8. The required equipment/appliance will be issued to the member when home use of
such equipment is considered absolutely essential on medical grounds, on
recommendations of the Service Specialist and approval of Senior Advisor and / or
Consultant of the concerned speciality as applicable.
9. The equipment will be procured through a special demand by the OIC polyclinic.
Consumables on the equipment will be issued under arrangements of OIC Polyclinic. Cost

15
of repair and annual maintenance contracts will be borne by the members themselves
and will not be reimbursable.
10. Concept of Referral
(a) Treatment at Polyclinics. Referrals from Polyclinics will only be made once
all available facilities of the Polyclinic are fully utilized. Polyclinics are basically points
of treatment and only those patients needing additional diagnostic
tests/consultation/hospitalisation should be referred beyond the ECHS Polyclinic.
(b) Referral for General Service Facilities
(i) Referral for general specialities not available in Polyclinic, will be to a
Service Hospital having the requisite facility and located in the station, subject
to load at the time of the referral.
(ii) For Facilities not available in the local Service Hospitals and in Non
Military Stations, patients may be offered the choice of being referred to an
Empanelled Facility/Govt Hospital/Institute of National Repute or to the
nearest Service Hospital having the facility.
(c) Referral for Specialised Services. Referral for Super Specialities (like
Cardiology, Oncology etc) can only be made by a Specialist at the Polyclinic or on
the advice of concerned specialist of Service Hospital, subject to load, or
concerned specialist of Local Govt Hospital or concerned specialist of
empanelled hospital (in the absence of Service Hospital/Facility).
(d) Hospital Admission. All cases requiring hospital admissions will be referred
to Service Hospitals except under the following circumstances:-
(i) Non availability of beds in the concerned ward of Service Hospital, at
that point of time.
(ii) Non availability of concerned Specialist Facility in the Service Hospital
at that point of time.
(iii) Non availability of machine time/laboratory time for referral on account
of diagnostic tests.
(iv)
(v)
In Non Military Stations.
In Military Stations without Service Hospitals.
(e) In case of referral to Empanelled Facilities an endorsement will be made
under signature of Officer-In-Charge Polyclinic stating as under:-
(i) Military Stations with Service Hospitals
“Verified that Beds/Speciality/Facility is Not Available in the local Service
Hospital at present.”
(ii) Non Military Stations/Military Stations without Service Hospital
“There is no Service Hospital located in the Station.”

16
MISCELLANEOUS ISSUES
1. Travelling Allowance For Patients. Patients are entitled to return journey Rail fare
when referred to a medical facility in other stations (nearest available) during an intercity
move for treatment. The attendants, if authorised to move alongwith patient in the referral
sheet, would also be entitled to claim return rail fare in the entitled class of ESM. Entitled
class of train will be same as entitled immediately before retirement of the member.
Notes:- (a) Production of Original Rail Tickets/Public Bus for reimbursement is
compulsory.
(b)
Travel by Pvt Car/Taxi or by Civil Air is not authorised.
(c) Reimbursement will be limited to rail fare authorised or actual
expenditure whichever is less.
Auth : Central Org ECHS letter No B/49782/AG/ECHS dt 08 Nov 05
2. Use of Ambulance. Ambulance is available at the Polyclinics for transportation of
patients on recommendations of medical officer. Ambulance can be used for sick transfer
from ECHS Polyclinic to Service/Empanelled Hospital where referred. Such use will
ordinarily be restricted to within municipal limits of town/city. However, where the nearest
Service Hospital is outside the city/station limits, the ambulance may be utilised provided
the Medical Officer-in-charge considers that conveyance, by other means will be
detrimental to the health of the patient.
3. The Officer-in-Charge Polyclinic, in consultation with Medical Officer-in-Charge
Polyclinic may prioritize the use of Ambulance in a particular situation when more than one
patient needs to be evacuated/transferred.
4. More than one patient may be transferred at the same time as per the situation,
keeping in mind the essentiality of use and health of the patients.
5. Nursing Assistant/Nurse alongwith Oxygen cyclinder/IV line may accompany the
patient as per the requirement of the case.
6. Treatment of Senior Citizens. Patients above 75 years of age in case of males and
70 years in case of females will be given priority for registration, treatment and issue of
medicines in the ECHS Polyclinics. They would be attended out of turn. (Auth ; Central Org
ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 19 Nov 07)
7. Advisory Committee : ECHS Polyclinics.
The Advisory Committees have been appointed with the primary aim to take feed back of
the users (Armed Forces Veteran) in the functioning of ECHS to enhance clientele
satisfaction. The regular meetings of Advisory Commitees will be organised at respective
Stn HQs as under :
(a) Frequency of meeting Min once in quarter Meeting could combined for
more than one Polyclinic if they are located closely.

17
(b) Attendence To be presided over by the Sub Area Cdr/Stn Cdr and attended
by SEMO Director Regional Centre and OIC Polyclinics apart from members of
Advisory Committee.
(c) Suggestion. All suggestion/querries to be recorded. Redressal to be given
at appropriate level upto HQ Comd. Policy issue to be referred to Central
Organisation.
(d) Expansion of ECHS. A case for addl 199 Ex-servicemen Contributory
Health Scheme polyclinic and 15 Regional Centres to expand Ex-servicemen
Contributory Health Scheme network has been approved by the Govt on 26 May
2010. The list of Polyclinics attached at appendix F.
(e) ECHS Membership to Nepal Domiciled Gorkhas (NDG). The proposal to
extend the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme facilities to Nepal Domiciled
Ex-Servicemen has been approved by the Government. However, the NDG
veterans will have to visit polyclinics and empanelled hospitals located in
India to avail the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme benefits.
Draft Govt letter has been fwd to MoD for their approval.
EMPANELMENT OF HOSPITALS/DIAGNOSTIC CENTRES/
DENTAL CLINICS
1 General. Empanelment of civil/private hospitals, Diagnostic Centres and Dental
Clinics is initiated under arrangements of local Station Commanders on behalf of ECHS.
Private medical facilities have to be willing to get empanelled and follow ECHS rates as well
as meet the qualitative requirements of ECHS.
2 Empanelment Procedure. The Hospital, Diagnostic/Dental Centre is required to
apply on prescribed application form available at all Station Headquarters on payment of
Rs 100/-. A Board of Officers will be constituted under the Chairmanship of Station
Commander to inspect the facilities applied for empanelment. On recommendations of HQ
Commands, approval for empanelment will be accorded by the Empowered Committee of
Ministry of Defence. On approval, a Memoranda of Agreement will be signed with the
approved Hospital/Nursing Homes, Dental Clinic or Diagnostic Centres after which
treatment of ECHS patients can commence.
MISC
1. ECHS website - www.indianarmy.nic.in/arechs.htm
2. E mails - mdechs-mod@nic.in
dymdechs-mod@nic.in
dirops-mod@nic.in
dirmedechs-mod@nic.in
dirpfcechs-mod@nic.in
jdclechs-mod@nic.in
jditechs-mod@nic.in

18
Appx ‘A’
STRUCTURE OF CENTRAL ORG
MD, ECHS (MAJ GEN)
DY MD, ECHS (BRIG)
DIR (OPS & COORD
DIR (PROCUREMENT
& FUND CONTROL
DIR (MED)
JT DIR (PERS)
JT DIR (OPS)
JT DIR (PROCUREMENT
& FUND CONTROL)
JT DIR (MED)

19
Appx ‘B’
TELE NO : REGIONAL CENTRES ECHS
Regional Centre ECHS
`Tele no
RC Jammu 0191-2433139
RC Chandimandir 0172-2589400
RC Delhi Cantt 011-25682657
RC Jaipur 0141-2249159
RC Lucknow 0522-2482745
RC Jabalpur 0761-2608177
RC Pune 020-26334257
RC Patna 06115-225955
RC Hyderabad 040-27797932
RC Chennai 044-25673092
RC Kochi 0484-2373394
RC Kolkata 033-22318988
RC Guwahati 0361-2642727

20
Appx ‘D’
AUTH OF MANPOWER : POLYCLINICS
S.NO DETAILS
TYPE ‘A’ &’B’ TYPE ‘C’&’D’
MIL NON-MIL MIL NON-MIL
1. Medical Officer 02 02 01 02
2. Medical Specialist 01 02 - 01
3. Dental Officer 01 02 01 01
4. OIC (Non Medical) 01 01 01 01
5. Gynaecologist - 01 - -
6. Nursing Asst/Nurse 03 03 01 02
7. Lab Asst 02 02 01 01
8. Dental Hygienist 01 01 - -
9. Receptionist - 01 - -
10. Driver 01 03 01 01
11. Peon 01 01 01 01
12. Safaiwala 01 01 01 01
13. Female Attendant 01 01 01 01
TOTAL 15 21 09 12

ADVISORY NOTE NO – 2
CONSULTATION BY APPOINTMENT AT ECHS POLYCLINICS
1. This year, ECHS Seminar was held on 15 and 16 Jul 09 at HQ Western Comd, Chandimandir.
The theme of this seminar was `ECHS – the way ahead’. The Seminar was attended by eminent ex
servicemen, senior serving offrs of the three services as also prominent heads of corporate hospitals
and ECHS functionaries. The Seminar report is under prep and would be disseminated in due course.
2. One of the suggestions received was to examine instituting of consultation by appointment at the
polyclinics. It was decided to implement this suggestion on trial basis in the polyclinics. While
consultation by appointment may be a practical proposition in low-pressure polyclinics in the forenoon
(peak hours), the same would not be true for high pressure polyclinics. Nominating one MO for
consultation on prior appointment basis for afternoon in high pressure polyclinics would be more
appropriate.
3. HQ Comds are therefore advised to institute the system of consultation by appointments wef 13
Aug 09. The system could be monitored and refined on as required basis in consultation with members
of station ECHS advisory committee.
AUTH :B/49707-Seminar/AG/ECHS JUL2009
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS

TREATMENT OF SENIOR CITIZENS
1. Further to Central Org letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dated 15 Mar 2007.
2. The following will be treated as Senior Citizens :-
(a) Males - 75 Yrs & above.
(b) Females - 70 Yrs & above.
3. You are requested to pass suitable instructions to all concerned.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS
Authority :Central Org lettre No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 19 Nov 2007

ADVISORY NOTE 4: AGED/INVALID PATIENTS
AT ECHS POLYCLINICS
1. Refer to Central Org letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dated 15 Mar 2007 and B/49701
PR/AG/ECHS dated 19 nov 2007.
2. A number of representations have been received seeking special treatment for vary senior
(aged/infirm./invalid) patients at ECHS polyclinics. While the present policy caters for priority in
treatment for senior citizen (male above 75 and female above 70), it has been learnt that they still have
to queue-up for reception/consultation albeit in a different queue.
3. No provision exists for special consideration in respect of very senior (aged/infirm/invalid)
patients. It is therefore advised that the Stn Cdr may institute measures to alleviate the problem of this
category of patients.
4. Case study of ‘X’ Polyclinic Stn Cdr in respect of ‘X’ Polyclinic instituted a system where in
very aged/infirm patients come and wait while sitting in an earmarked area. Nursing assistant/peon
takes their card/treatment book. They are called for registration and thereafter consultation. A simple
step instituted by a responsive Stn Cdr greatly improved the satisfaction level amongst very aged
veterans. A few veterans above 80 yrs however refuse to join these ‘sitting sissies’
5. It is not the intention to enforce a template solution. However, based on the situation obtained in
ECHS Polyclinics with respect to load and staffing Stn Cdrs may consider instituting such a system
which takes care of the needs of the ages veterans.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
For MD ECHS

AMPLIFICATION ON ECHS MEMBERSHIP FOR RE-EMPLOYED OFFICERS
1. Refer to our letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dated 17 Jul 2006.
2. As per referred letter the ECHS membership of re-employed personnel is kept under
suspended animation since he is authorised all medical facilities from Armed Forces Medical
Services as applicable to serving personnel. This was done to ensure that no Govt employee can
be member of two Govt medical schemes concurrently. Representations have been received from
the re-employed personnel regarding denial of appropriate medical facilities to their dependents
since dependents of Service Personnel cannot be referred to empanelled facilities particularly at
Non-Military stations. They have also represented against their contribution getting locked up
without any interest since they are not availing ECHS facilities during re-employment.
3. ECHS is not a stand alone Scheme. It is an extension of Armed Forces Medical Services.
As per Govt policy all ECHS members are to first fully utilise Armed Forces Medical Services
facilities available in the station before being referred to empanelled facilities.
4. In view of the above following fresh guidelines will apply in case of re-employed officers,
both pre and post 01 Apr 03 retirees:-
(a)
(b)
Re-employed Officer can become ECHS member.
All members will submit an undertaking as hithertofore.
(c) On re-employment an ECHS member will be treated as any other serving personnel.
He will exercise option for availing medical facilities by his dependents only. An individual
can choose any one medical facility for self and the other for dependents. Certificate of
choice duly countersigned by the Station Commander at place of posting will be forwarded
to Central Organisation ECHS, concerned Regional Centre and parent Polyclinic. It will be
the responsibility of ECHS members to inform all concerned about his choice.
(d) An individual can change his choice on posting under intimation to concerned
Regional Centres, Station HQs and Parent polyclinic.
(e) The ECHS membership cards of re-employed personnel will not be kept in
suspended animation in case the choice for dependents is for ECHS.
5. Our letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dated 17 Jul 2006 is hereby superseded.
Brig
Offg MD ECHS
Authority :Central Org letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 5 Dec 2007

ADVISORY NOTE NO – 3
ARRANGEMENT OF VEHICLES, DVRS, MED/NON-MED STAFF FOR
NEEDY ECHS BENEFICIARIES ON PAY-AND-USE BASIS
1. Indian society is evolving. Modernisation and economic development has been the catalyst for
this evolution. While this evolution has been hailed all over, it seemingly has had adverse effect on the
care of aged ECHS members.
2. With little/no support from their families, the aged members have to rough it out to seek routine
consultation/medicines from the polyclinics. The question arises – who can help them in such
circumstances when their own family members decide to overlook their responsibilities. While the
Armed Forces and ECHS cannot be expected to undertake support that is due to the aged veterans
from their family, the Station Commanders can facilitate the following :-
(a) Availability of taxis with reliable dvrs with fixed rates on call. These could be utilised by the
aged veterans on payment.
(b) Non-medic help again on fixed rates, on call on payment basis to assist veterans in
reaching polyclinics, consultation with MOs, medicine collection etc.
(c)
(d)
Ex-servicemen volunteers may coordinate control centre for the above services.
Additional services `on payment’ could be included as these facilities become popular.
3. No outsider can improve things for ex-servicemen. Ex-servicemen themselves would have to rise
and form groups to put in place the above facilities with a missionary zeal. Station Commanders can
facilitate such measures initially. Needless to mention that such facilities have to be self-sustaining.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS
AUTH :B/49760/AG/ECHS Aug 2009

CLARIFICATION ON ECHS MEMBERSHIP WHEN HUSBAND AND WIFE ARE DEFENCE
PERSONNEL
1. There were a No of issues which come into effect when both husband and wife are
defence personnel or one of them is a defence person and other is a Central Govt employee. The
issues also included whether one or both parents can be made members of the ECHS.
2. We had taken up the case with the MOD and clarifications have been issued vide MOD
letter No 22(20)05/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 10 Feb 2006(copy attached). In brief it contains the
following clarifications:-
(a)
When Both Husband and Wife are Defence Pensioners
(i)
(ii)
Only one has to give ECHS contribution.
Both can cover their respective parents by making two ECHS contributions.
(b) When one is a defence person and other is a Central Govt employee, the latter has
the choice to withdraw from CGHS when the spouse becomes a member of the ECHS.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS DO letter No B/49701-MOD/AG/ECHS dt 24 Feb 2006.

CLARIFICATION ON TERM ‘FAMILY’ FOR ENROLMENT INTO ECHS
1. References:-
(a) Our letter No B/49764/AG/ECHS dated 10 Oct 03.
(b) Our letter No B/49764/AG/ECHS/R dated 15 Feb 05.
(c) Our letter No B/49701-SP/AG/ECHS dated 06 May 05.
(d) Our letter No B/49701/MOD/AG/ECHS dated 24 Feb 06.
2. ECHS has been launched to provide comprehensive medicare to all ESM in receipt of
pension or disability pension, as also to his/her dependents, which includes wife/husband,
legitimate children and wholly dependent parents. The Scheme is also applicable to NOKs of
deceased pensioners who are drawing family/special family /liberalised family pension.
3. Eligibility Status of dependents has been amplified earlier and is reiterated as under:-
(a) Parents. Father and Mother of the ESM pensioner shall be deemed to be
dependent if they normally reside with the ESM pensioner and their combined income from
all sources does NOT exceed Rs 2550/-pm. Parent of the spouse of the ESM are NOT
permitted to become members. In case a widow, who is in receipt of Family Pension, joins
the ECHS, then the parents of her late husband can be made dependants, subject to
fulfilling the conditions. However, her own parents CANNOT be made dependants. In a
case where both the husband and wife are ESM pensioners, then both can opt to cover
their parents as dependents. In this case both pensioners will have to make ECHS
contribution, as applicable. Govt of India letter No 22(20)05/US(WE)/D(Res) Deptt of ESW
dated 10 Feb 2006 refers in this regard. “Parents, ie, mother and father” of unmarried
deceased soldier and in case of deceased parents, then ‘NOK’ of unmarried deceased
soldier are also eligible, provided they are in receipt of liberalised family pension.
(b) Spouse. Legally wedded husband/wife including more than one wife. Spouse
living separately is included as dependent, as long as the ESM pensioner is responsible
for her maintenance. When the spouse is legally separated, he/she cannot be termed as a
dependent and hence cannot be made member of ECHS. In the event of plural marriage,
where it is permitted by the rules, the following conditions should be fulfilled for claiming
ECHS membership:-
(i) Necessary casualty for entering into plural marriage should have been
published through Unit Part II Orders and names of both the wives should be found
recorded in the Service Discharge Book/Service Particulars Retired Officers Booklet
issued by respective Service Headquarters.
(ii) The names of both the wives should be found recorded in the PPO for grant
of ‘Family Pension’ award.
(iii) In the case of widows, both wives should be in receipt of a share of ‘Family
Pension’ and PPO produced in support of evidence.
(c) Daughter(s). Details must exist in the service record of the pensioner. Unmarried
and unemployed daughters are permitted to be included as dependents.
Widowed/Divorced daughters dependant on the Pensioner and residing with the latter

are also permitted to be
eligible.
included. However, the children of such a daughter are not
(d) Son(s). Unemployed and unmarried son(s) upto the age of 25 years are permitted
to be included as dependents. Details must be included in the service record of the
pensioner.
(e) Mentally/Handicapped Children. Mentally/Handicapped children who are unable
to earn their livelihood are permitted to be dependents for life time. The following
conditions are required to be met:-
(i)
Onset of disability should be prior to attainment of 25 years of age.
(ii) Permanent disability should be certified by Service Classified Specialist as
per format of certificate enclosed at Appendix.
(iii) The condition of disability should be mentioned in the records of pensioner
and the disabled dependent son should be eligible for family pension.
4. The above may please be given wide publicity.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 01 Jun 2006.

EX-SERVICEMEN CONTRIBUTORY HEALTH SCHEME (ECHS)
APPLICATION FORM FOR MEMBERSHIP (REV 2010)
(PLEASE FILL IN CAPITALS & IN BLUE INK)
Application Regn No.
Place of Submission
Category ( ) (a) Officer (b) JCO & Equivalent (c) OR & Equivalent
To be filled by Stn
HQ/Record Office
Applicant’s
Recent Colour
Passport size
Photograph in
Civil Dress
(Red Background)
PART I - PARTICULARS OF PENSIONER
APPLICATION FOR ( )
Pensioner Family Pensioner Future Retiree
SERVICE ( )
Army Navy Air Force CG DSC
SFF
Signature of Applicant
(black ink)
1. Service No 2. Rank
(With prefix and suffix)
(Abbreviated as per General Instructions)
3. (a) Name of Ex-Serviceman
(Maximum 32 characters
including spaces)
(b)
(i) Regt/Corps/Ship/Base/Unit : _________________ (ii) Gender ( ) Male Female
(iii) Citizenship ( ) Indian NDG (iv) Marital Status : ( ) Married/Unmarried/Divorce/Widow/Widower
(v) Employed ( ) Yes No
(vi) Monthly Income : __________________________
(e) UID No __________________________________ (f) PAN No : __________________________________
4. Date of Birth of Applicant (DD-MM-YYYY)
Primary Member
5. Date of Commission/ Enrollment (DD-MM-YYYY)
6. Date of Retirement/ Discharge (DD-MM-YYYY)
7. Parent Polyclinic
8. Residential
Address
Name of family Pensioner
(if applicable)
(i) Gender ( ) Male Female (ii) Category ( ) Officer/JCO & Equivalent/OR & Equivalent
(iii) Employed ( ) Yes No (iv) Citizenship ( ) Indian NDG (v) Monthly income ____________
(c) Relationship with ESM ( ) Spouse/ Son/ Daughter/ Father/ Mother
(d) Date of Demise of Pensioner (DD-MM-YYYY)
For family
Pensioner only
Tehsil
Dist
9. Contact details
(a) Telephone No
(With STD code)
(b) Mob No
(c) E-Mail ID :-
10. Type of Pension ( )
Normal Disability Family
11. Pension Payment Order No (PPO No)
(attach photo copy)
12. Name & Address of
Banker/Treasury from
where pension drawn
13. Pension Bank
Account Number
14. Record Office
State
Pin
Speciman signature/lLeft
Thump Impression
15. Drug Allergy (if any)
16. Blood Group Physical Disability ( )
Yes
No
(Optional) (Tick one as applicable) War Disability/Battle Casualty Disability ( )
Signature and stamp of authorising Officer of Station Headquarters/ Record Office.
Yes
No

2
Application Regn No
Name of
SPOUSE
PART-II PARTICULARS OF DEPENDANTS
Gender ( ) Male Female Citizenship ( ) Indian NDG
Date of Birth
Date of Marriage
(DD-MM-YYYY)
(DD-MM-YYYY)
Parent Polyclinic
(If not same as pensioner/
Family pension)
Physical Disability ( ) Yes No Employed ( )
Yes No
Monthly Income ____________
UID No __________________________ PAN No : _____________________________
Name Mentioned in Service/ Discharge Book ( )
Drug Allergy (if any)
Residential
Address
(If not same as pensioner/
Family pension)
Contact details
(a) Tele No
(With STD code)
(b) E Mail ID :-
Name of
FATHER
Citizenship ( ) Indian NDG
Date of Birth
(DD-MM-YYYY)
Employed ( ) Pensioner ( )
Yes No
Yes No
Blood Group
Whether dependent on applicant ( ) Yes No Monthly income ___________
Parent Polyclinic
(If not same as pensioner/
Family pension)
Name Mentioned in Service/Discharge Book ( ) Yes No Physical Disability ( )
UID No _______________________ PAN No : _______________________
Drug Allergy (if any)
Residential
Address
(If not same as pensioner/
Family pension)
Contact details
(a) Tele No
(With STD code)
(b) E Mail ID :-
Name of
MOTHER
Citizenship ( )
Date of Birth
Indian
Tehsil
State
Tehsil
State
(Maximum 20 Characters including space)
Employed ( ) Yes No Pensioner ( )
(DD-MM-YYYY)
Blood Group
Whether dependent on applicant ( ) Yes No Monthly income _________
Parent Polyclinic
(If not same as pensioner/
Family pension)
Name Mentioned in service/Discharge Book ( ) Yes No Physical Disability ( )
Yes
No
Dist
(Maximum 20 Characters including Space)
Dist
Pin
Mob
Pin
Mob
(Maximum 20 Characters including Space)
NDG
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Affix Recent Colour
Passport size Photo of
SPOUSE of Pensioner
(Red Background)
Optional
Affix Recent Colour
Passport size Photo of
FATHER of Pensioner
(Red Background)
No
Optional
Affix Recent Colour
Passport size Photo of
MOTHER of Pensioner
(Red Background)
No
UID No _______________________ PAN No : _________________________
Drug Allergy (if any)
Residential
Address
(If not same as pensioner/
Family pension)
Contact details
(a) Tele No
(With STD code)
(b) E Mail ID :-
Tehsil
State
Blood Group
Note :- Please attach relevant medical documents of Drug Allergy (if any) and Blood Group.
Dist
Pin
Mob
Optional

Name of
CHILD
Citizenship ( )
Date of Birth
Indian
3
PART-II PARTICULARS OF DEPENDANTS
(Maximum 20 Characters including space)
NDG
(DD-MM-YYYY)
Relationship (with Ex-Serviceman) Employed ( )
Yes No
Application Regn No
Affix Recent Colour
Passport size Photo
of CHILD of
Pensioner
(Red Background)
Marital Status ( )
Parent Polyclinic
(If not same as pensioner/
Family pension)
Permanent Disability ( ) Yes No
(For daughter only- if applicable)
Blood Group
Name Mentioned in Service/Discharge Book( )
Yes No Part II Order Published and Yes No
Copy/ Proof attached ( )
UID No _______________________ PAN No : _________________________ Monthly Income _________________
Drug Allergy (if any)
Residential
Address
(If not same as pensioner/
Family pension)
Contact details
(a) Tele No
(With STD code)
(b) E-Mail ID :-
Name of
CHILD
Citizenship ( )
Date of Birth
(DD-MM-YYYY)
Relationship (with Ex-Serviceman) Employed ( )
Marital Status ( )
Parent Polyclinic
(If not same as pensioner/
Family pension)
Permanent Disability ( ) Yes No
(For daughter only- if applicable)
Blood Group
Name mentioned in Service/ Discharge Book ( )
Yes No Part II Order Published and
Copy/ Proof attached ( )
Yes No
UID No _______________________ PAN No : _________________________ Monthly Income _________________
Drug Allergy (if any)
Residential
Address
(If not same as pensioner/
Family pension)
Contact details
(a) Tele No
(With STD code)
(b) E-Mail ID :-
Name of
CHILD
Citizenship ( )
Date of Birth
(DD-MM-YYYY)
Relationship (with Ex-Serviceman) Employed ( )
Marital Status ( )
Indian
Indian
(For daughter only- if applicable)
Parent Polyclinic
(If not same as pensioner/
Family pension)
Permanent Disability ( )
Yes No
Blood Group
Name mentioned in Service/ Discharge Book ( ) Part II Order Published and
Yes No
Copy/ Proof attached ( )
UID No _______________________ PAN No : _________________________
Drug Allergy (if any)
Residential
Address
(If not same as pensioner/
Family pension)
Contact details
(a) Tele No
(With STD code)
(b) E-Mail ID :-
Married
Tehsil
State
Married
Tehsil
State
Married
Tehsil
State
Unmarried
Widow
Dist
Divorcee
Pin
Mob
(Maximum 20 Characters including space)
NDG
Unmarried
Widow
Dist
Divorcee
Pin
Mob
(Maximum 20 Characters including space)
NDG
Unmarried
Widow
Dist
Divorcee
Pin
Mob
Yes No
Yes No
Yes
Affix Recent Colour
Passport size Photo
of CHILD of
Pensioner
(Red Background)
Affix Recent Colour
Passport size Photo
of CHILD of
Pensioner
(White Background)
No
Monthly Income _________________
Optional
Optional
Optional
Note : 1. In case of more than three children the ESM to photocopy this page. 2. In case of child mentally/physically challenged, necessary certificate to be attached.
3. Attach relevant Medical document of Drug Allergy (if any) and Blood Group.

4
Application Regn No
PART-III DETAILS OF MRO PAYMENT
(Serial 1 to 4 to be filled by only those whose contribution NOT deducted in PPO)
1. Payment in full or in Installments (Tick as applicable)
Full One Two Three Exempted
2. Bank RBI SBl
Branch
3. MRO No Date of Payment
4. Amount
(Rupees)
PART-IV DETAILS OF PAYMENT FOR SMART CARDS
1. Total Cards Demanded 2. Amount (Rupees)
3. Mode of payment
Date
DD No Date of Draft Bank Name
(DD-MM-YYYY)
Note :- Faulty entries requiring subsequent correction will entail fresh cards being
Made on additional payment
(Signature of Applicant)
(Black ink)
PART-V TO BE FILLED BY STATION HEADQUARTERS/ RECORD OFFICE
1. Basic Pension (Rupees) 2. Documents Checked and Receipt issued ( )
Yes
3. Payment Received for Smart Cards Rs.
4. Category for Hospitalisation
Private Semi-Private General
5. Date of Receipt of Application from/
Date of Retirement of Future Retiree
6. Date application forwarded
To Regional Centre
(Signature and Stamp of Station
Headquarters/ Record Office)
PART-VI TO BE FILLED BY REGIONAL CENTRE ECHS
1. Date of Receipt of Application Form
2. Date application forwarded to Vendor
Checked by
(Initials & No)
Verified by
(Initials & No)
SMART CARD DETAILS (to be filled on receipt from vendor)
Signature and Stamp of
Authorised Offr
1. Date of Receipt of Smart Card(s)
2. ECHS No. (Mentioned in Smart Card)
3. No of Smart Card(s) issued ( )
One Two Three Four Five Six
(a) Dispatched to (Station HQ/ Record Office/Individual)
(b)
Date of Dispatch
Initials

5
Registration No ______________
RECEIPT FOR DOCUMENTS CUM TEMPORARY CARD
EX SERVICEMEN CONTRIBUTORY HEALTH SCHEME (ECHS)
(USE BLUE INK ONLY)
1. Received following documents from No _____________ Rank _________ Name __________________
towards application for membership of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) :-
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
(h)
Application form (duly completed) (Duplicate)
Photographs pasted at appropriate places.
Affidavit in original (duly attested).
Copy of MRO (where applicable).
Photocopy of PPO/Bankers certificate duly attested by bankers/treasury (where applicable).
Photocopy of service/discharge book /proof of dependants.
Demand draft (for Smart Cards) (Rs 135/- Per card in favour of dependent Regional Centre ECHS).
Certificate from OIC parent Polyclinic containing old data in case of duplicate Card(s)/Change of
Cards.
2. Category for Hospitalisation ( ) Private Semi Private General
3. Parent Polyclinic of Pensioner _____________________________________________
Place :
Date :
Office seal
No _______________________
Rank _____________________
Name ____________________
Signature _________________
(Officer issuing temporary receipt in lieu of Smart Card)
All photographs to be stamped by issuing Officer .
PENSIONER SPOUSE FATHER MOTHER
CHILD CHILD CHILD CHILD
Notes :- 1. This original receipt is required to be returned at the time of collection of Smart Card (s).
Receipt will not be destroyed. This will be filed alongwith the original Application Form .
2. No Smart Card will be issued if this receipt in original is not produced.
3. Record Office will retain this receipt after checking the Application Form for handing over to the
individual if the ECHS card is not ready prior to his retirement.
4. The Original Receipt is valid upto a maximum of Sixty days.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pension Payment Order No (PPO No)
(attach photocopy)
Received Smart Card ( ) One Two Three Four Five Six
_________________
Date : ___________
Signature of Pensioner
Note : Observation / complaints pertaining to SMART CARD (s) must be brought to issuing authority
within 07 days of receipt of the Card (s).

OFFICERS
6
ABBREVIATED RANKS
ARMY Abbreviation NAVY Abbreviation AIR FORCE Abbreviation Indian Coast Abbreviation
Guard
General Gen Admiral Adm Air Chief ACM - -
Marshal
Lieutenant Lt Gen
Vice Admiral/ Surg V Adm/
Air Marshal Air Mshl Director DG
General
Vice Admiral Surg V Adm
General
Major General Maj Gen Rear Admiral/ R Adm/Surg Air Vice AVM
Inspector IG
Surg Rear Admiral R Adm
Marshal
General
Brigadier Brig Commodore/ Cmde/
Air
Air Cmde Dy Inspector DIG
Surg Commodore Surg Cmde Commodore
Colonel Col Captain/Surg Capt (IN)/Surg Group Gp Capt Commandant Comdt
Captain
Capt
Captain
Lieutenant Lt Col
Commander/Surg Cdr/Surg Cdr Wing
Wg Cdr Commandant Comdt (JG)
Colonel
Commander
Commander
(JG)
Major Maj Lt Commander/ Lt Cdr/
Squadron Sqn Ldr Dy
Dy Comdt
Surg Lt Commander Surg Lt Cdr Leader
Commandant
Captain Capt Lt /Surg Lt Lt (IN)/Surg Lt Flight Flt Lt
Asst
Asst Comdt
Lieutenant
Commandant
Lieutenant Lt Sub Lt/Surg
S Lt /Surg S Lt Flying Fg Offr - -
Sub Lt
Officer
Gentleman
Cadet
GC Cadet Cdt Flight Cadet Flt Cdt - -
PBOR
ARMY Abbreviation NAVY Abbreviation AIR FORCE Abbreviation Indian Coast
Guard
Abbreviati
on
Honorary
Captain
Hony Capt Honorary
Lieutenant
Hony Lt (IN) Honorary
Flight
Lieutenant
Hony Flt Lt - -
Honorary
Lieutenant
Subedar Major
or Risaldar
Major
Hony Lt
Sub Maj or Ris
Maj
Honorary
Sub Lieutenant
Master Chief Petty
Officer1
Hony Sub Lt
(IN)
MCPO 1
Honorary
Flying
Officer
Master
Warrant
Officer
Hony Fg Offr - -
MWO
Pradhan Adhikari
or Pradhan
Sahayak
Engineer
P/Adh or
PSE
Hony Sub Maj
or Hony Ris Maj
Subedar or
Risaldar
Hony Subedar
or Hony
Risaldar
Naib Subedar or
Naib Risaldar
Hony Sub Maj
or Hony Ris
Maj
Sub or Ris
Hony Sub or
Hony Ris
Nb Sub or Nb
Ris
Master Chief Petty
Officer 2
- - - - - -
MCPO 2
Warrant
Officer
WO
Uttam Adhikari,
or Uttam Sahayak
Engineer
U/Adh or
USE
- - - - - -
Chief Petty Officer CPO Junior
Warrant
Officer/Flight
Sergeant
JWO/Flt Sgt
Adhikari, or
Sahayak
Engineer or
Pradhan Yantrik
Adh or SE
or P/Ytk
Hony Naib Sub
or Hony Naib
Risaldar
Havildar or
Dafedar
Honorary
Havildar or
Hony Dafedar
Naik or Lance
Dafedar
Lance Naik or
Asst Lance
Dafedar
Sepoy (Rfn,
Gdsm, Swr, Spr,
Sigmn,Cfn, Gnr
Hony Nb Sub
or Hony Nb
Ris
- - - - - -
Hav or Dfr Petty Officer PO Sergeant Sgt Pradhan Navik or P/Nvk or
Uttam Yantrik or U/Ytk or
Yantrik
Ytk
Hony Hav or
- - - - - -
Hony Dfr
Nk or LD Leading Ldg Corporal Cpl Uttam Navik U/Nvk
LNK or ALD Seaman I Sea I Leading Air
Craftsman
Sep Seaman II Sea II Air
Craftsman
LAC
AC
Navik or Enrolled
Follower
Nvk or
E/F
Recruit Rect Recruit Rect Recruit Rect - -

7
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1. Eligibility
(a) Should be an Ex-Serviceman and drawing pension/disability pension/family pension from
Controller of Defence Accounts including Indian Coast Guard personnel.
(b) War Widows (Veer Naris) / NOK of Battle causalities.
(c) Personnel disabled in Operations.
(d) Recruits medically boarded out during training and in receipt of disability pension.
Notes : (i) Ex-Servicemen not drawing pension are NOT eligible.
(ii) To take benefits of ECHS you CAN NOT be drawing benefits of any other
Government medical Scheme.
2. Dependents.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
Notes : (i)
(ii)
(iii)
Spouse including legally more than one spouse.
Unemployed Son(s) up to 25 years of age.
Unemployed/unmarried Daughter (s) including widow / legally divorced irrespective of age.
Physically/ Mentally handicapped child for life (Central Organisation letter B/49764/AG/ECHS
dated 15 Feb 05 is relevant for details).
Wholly dependant Parents whose combined monthly income from all source does not exceed
Rs 3500/- pm and are generally residing with the member.
Parents of deceased soldier can be eligible, subject to meeting dependency criteria.
If both husband and wife are Defence Personnel, parents of both members are eligible if both pay
subscription, subject to meeting dependency criteria.
Widow after remarriage in receipt of family pension is eligible for ECHS membership alongwith
her children from first marriage. However, her present Husband and children born later are not entitled.
Grandparents/Grand children are not entitled.
Part II Orders endorsement by service Headquarters/respective Records for marriage/children born after
retirement.
3. ECHS Contribution.
(a) Ex-Servicemen Retired Prior to 01 Apr 03.
(i)
(ii)
Should deposit on time ECHS contribution in Govt treasury/Nationalised bank through MRO
as per rates of subscription.
Four copies of MRO in Original to be prepared.
(b) Ex –Servicemen Retired/Retiring After 01 Apr 03. Subscription is being deducted directly by
CDA (P) and reflected in PPO.
(c) Rates of Subscription are as under (Subject to Revision by Govt) :-
PENSION
RATES OF SUBSCRIPTION
(Uncommuted Basic Pension)
+ Dearness Pension)
Upto Rs 3000/- Rs 1800/-
Between Rs 3001 to 6000/- Rs 4800/-
Between Rs 6001 to 10,000/- Rs 8400/-
Between Rs 10,001 to 15,000/- Rs 12,000/-
Above Rs 15,001/- Rs 18,000/-

8
Notes :- (i) War Disabled Pensioners/War Widows/NOK of Battle Casualties are exempted from paying
ECHS subscription.
(ii) Fixed medical Allowance (Rs .100/-) will be stopped from date of ECHS membership.
(iii) All pensioners who have retired prior to 01 Jan 1996 are exempted contribution.
4. Smart Cards
(a) One card per beneficiary will be issued wef 01 Jun 2010.
(b) White Card for disabled beneficiary as per eligibility.
(c) War disabled/Battle Casualty disabled veterans will be provided with white card.
(d) Demand draft @ Rs 135/-per card drawn in favour of :-
(i) Submission After Retirement . Regional Centre ECHS in whose jurisdiction the
application is being submitted.
(ii) Submission Before Retirement. For Officers Regional Centre ECHS, Delhi Cantt and for
PBOR in favour Regional Centre ECHS with which the Record Office of the pensioner is
affiliated. List of Affiliation is at page 10.
5. Filling & Submission of Forms
(a)
(b)
Membership After Retirement
(i) Collect form from nearest Stn HQ, Polyclinic or download from internet (Website :
www.indianarmy.nic.in/arechs.htm.)
(ii) Prepare affidavit on Rs. 10/- Non- judicial stamp as per specimen given at Page 11.
(iii) Attach bankers certificate/DPDO certificate showing details of pension being drawn, MRO
(2 Copies), PPO copy, dependency certificate, proof of identity and demand draft for cards.
(iv) Carry service/discharge book in original for verification.
Membership Before Retirement (future Retiree).
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Form to be collected and filled alongwith pension documents.
Copy of PPO, Bankers Certificate & MRO are NOT required.
Submit completed Application Form alongwith affidavit as follows:
(aa) Army Headquarters/AG’s Branch MP 5/6 for Non-AMC-Army Officers.
(ab) Army Headquarters/AG’s Branch MPRS(0) – for AMC, ADC & MNS Officers.
(ac) Concerned Records Office (refer Page 10) – for all JCOs or OR of the Army
Including DSC Personnel.
(ad) Naval Headquarters/Director of Personnel (DOP) – for Naval Officers.
(ae) Commodore Bureau of Sailors (CABs), Mumbai - for Naval PBOR.
(af) Air Headquarter/DPP & R, through last posted unit - for Air Force Officers.
(ag) Air Force Reocrds Office (AFRO), Delhi Cantt - for Air Forces PBOR.
(ah) Coast fuard Headquarters - for Officer and PBOR.
(c)
Retirement at Short Notice
ECHS Membership Application Form is generally required to be submitted to concerned Record Office 5-
6 months prior to the date of retirement. However, in case of an Officer/PBOR proceeding on retirement
at short notice, he/she is permitted to submit his/her ECHS Membership Application Form to concerned
Record Office any time prior to the date of retirement or Even after retirement if he/she is not possession
of PPO. ECHS Membership Application Form can only be submitted at nearest Stn/HQ Regional Centre
by a pensioner if it is supported by PPO and all other mandatory documents.
Deduction of contribution by the CDA is no guarantee for grant of membership. Issue of Smart Card after
verification documents at ‘ Regional Centre/ respective Records will be considered as acceptance of
membership’.

9
Notes: (i) Data field, as UID, PAN No, e-mail id, drug Allergy and Blood Group details may be filled
up if available.
(ii) Smart Card will be dispatched to the Station HQ nearest to the residential address.
(iii) pre 1986 retirees need not deposit copy of ppo. Discharge Book/pension Book
giving name of spouse and bankers certificate to be submitted with application
MUST KNOW POINTS
1. Smart Card will be issued on production of original receipt of application Form.
2. Validity of receipt is for 60 days only. In case of non receipt of Smart Card validity can be further
extended upto 90 days extension by the Stn HQ. Regional Centre can accord or arng further extension till receipt
of card on case to case basis.
3. The member and bonafide dependants should activate upgraded Smart card at any Polyclinics
preferably at parent Polyclinic on receipt by giving thumb impression at the earliest.
4. Any false declaration/misuse of benefits will entail cancellation of membership. Central Organisation,
ECHS will be the final authority for cancellation of membership
5. Ensure safe custody of Smart Card. Do not put in a polythene jacket
6. To avail treatment facilities, the ECHS member or his /her dependent is required to go to ECHS
Polyclinics with the membership Card.
7. In case further treatment or investigations are required ,the polyclinics doctors will refer the patient to
Service Hospital/Lab/Dental Centre or Empanelled civil facility.
8. In Military Stations patients will be referred to service Hospital only. Referrals to empanelled civil medical
facilities will only be provided if Service Hospital do not have capacity
9. A list of Empanelled Hospital/Nursing Home(s), Diagnostics Centre and Dental Clinics/Centers will be
available in the polyclinics for the guidance of patients. The patient will be required to report to the empanelled
facility of his choice along with his ECHS membership card and referral form from ECHS Policlinic. On
Completion of treatment/diagnostics procedure, he/she is not required to make any Payment, bill will be cleared
by ECHS.
10. In an emergency situation, the ECHS member may not be able to follow the normal referral procedure.
He can report to the nearest/most convenient Hospital, preferably a service Hospital or an Empanelled Hospital.
In Such cases ,no payment is required to be made and the bill of empanelled Hospital will be cleared by ECHS.
In case a member goes to a non-empanelled hospital he/she has to pay the bill and submit a claim for
reimbursement to the ECHS Polyclinics subsequently. In all cases of emergency admission, the nearest ECHS
Policlinics must be informed within 48 hrs. of admission. The reimbursement will be limited to approved
CGHS rates
11. In case of any incorrect entry in the Smart Card .It should be brought to the notice of the issuing authority
within 07 days from the receipt of Card. If brought out later Card will not be replaced free of cost.
12. In case any complaint /difficulty in availing medical facilities at ECHS Policlinics, please liaise/refer
your correspondence (brief and to the point) to the Stn HQ in whose jurisdiction the Polyclinic is
functioning.
13 On receipt please activate your card as soon as possible preferably at parent policlinic.

11. Some important DO’s & DON’Ts for availing treatment are as tabulated below:
10
DO’S
DO CARRY YOUR REGISTRATION SLIP AND
IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS/SMART CARD
WHEN VISITING ECHS CLINICS
DO AVAIL ALL DIAGNOSTICS AND
THERAPEUTIC FACILITIES IN THE
POLYCLINICS .
DO EXERCISE YOUR OPTION OF BEING
REFERRED TO EMPANELLED FACILITY OF
YOUR STATION BUT ONLY WHEN REFERRAL
IS ADVISED BY POLYCLINICS .
DO CARRY YOUR REFERRAL FORM AND
SMART CARD. ECHS REGISTRATION SLIP TO
THE EMPANELLED FACILITY.
DO TRY TO CHOOSE A SERVICE.
EMPANELLED HOSPITAL IN AN EMERGENCY.
YOU WON’T HAVE TO PAY.
DO INFORM YOUR POLICLINIC WITHIN 48 HRS
WHEN ADMITTED DIRECTLY TO EMPANELLED
OR NON-EMPANELLED HOSPITAL IN AN
EMERGENCY
DO FOLLOW SOME TIME TO THE POLICLINIC
TO PROCURE SUPER SPECIALTY DRUGS
PRESCRIBED FOR YOU, IF NOT READILY
AVAILABLE
DON’T’S
DO NOT PAY BILLS IN EMPANELLED
HOSPITALS-ECHS WILL CLEAR YOUR BILLS
DO NOT INSIST FOR REFERRAL FOR
FACILITIES AVAILABLE IN THE POLICLINIC. IT
IS NOT AUTHORIZED.
DO NOT INSIST ON PARTICULAR BRAND
NAME OF DRUG FROM POLYCLINIC. YOU
MAY BE ISSUED DIFFERENT BRAND BUT
WITH SAME PHARMACOLOGICAL
COMPOSITION.
DO NOT PURCHASE DRUGS YOURSELF AND
ASK FOR REIMBURSEMENT. IT IS NOT
AUTHORIZED
DO NOT ACCEPT SUB-STANDARD
TREATMENT AT EMPANELLED HOSPITAL-
REPORT TO YOU POLICLINIC.
AFFILIATION OF SERVICE HQS & RECORDS OFFICERS
WITH ECHS REGIONAL CENTRES
Regional Centres
Affiliated Section at Service HQs & Records office
Delhi Cantt Army HQs/AG’s Branch MP 5/6 and MPRS (O) - for Army officers : Naval headquarters. DOP –
for
Naval Officers; Air Headquarters/ DPP & R - for Air force Officers; Air Force Records office
(AFRO) -
for all Air Force PBOR;CGHQ-For Coast Guard officers /PBOR and RAJPUTANA
RIFLES.
Pune
Patna
Lucknow
Hyderabad
Jabalpur
Jammu
Guwahati
Armourd Corps; Regiment of Artillery; Army Air Defence; Mechanised Infantry; Bombay
Engineer Group (BEG), BRIGADE OF guards; Intelligence Corps; Army Physical Training
Corps (APTC), Army Postal Service (APS).
PUNJAB Regiment; SIKH Regiment; BIHAR Regiment; 3 & 9 GORKHA RIFLES; Army Service
Corps (AT).
Bengal Engineer Group (BEG) Regiment; RAJPUT Regiment; JAT Regiment; SIKH Light Infantry
Regiment; GARHWAL RIFLES; KUMAON Regiment; 11 GORKHA RIFLES; Army Medical Corps
(AMC); Remount & Veterinary Corps (RVC).
MARATHA Light Infantry; Army Ordnance Corps (AOC), Electronic and Mechanical Engineers
(EME).
Corps of Signals; GRENADIER Regiment; MAHAR Regiment; Jammu & Kashmir Rifles
(JAK RIF);Army Education Crops (AEC), DOGRA Regiment.
Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (JAK LI); LADAKH SCOUTS.
ASSAM Regiment; 5 & 8 GORKHA RIFLES.
Chandimandir 1 & 4 GORKHA RIFLES.
Chennai
Kochi
Madras Engineers Group (MEG); PARACHUTE Regiment; MADRAS Regiment; Army Service
Corps (South); Corps of Military Police (CMP); Pioneer Corps.
CABS, Mumbai- for all Navy PBOR; Defence Security Corps (DSC).

11
SAMPLE OF AFFIDAVIT
(For initial application)
AFFIDAVIT ON Rs. 10/- NON JUDICIAL STAMP PAPER and TO BE ATTESTED BY MAGISTRATE/NOTARY
PUBLIC DECLARATION
I Service No ________________ Rank ________ Name _____________________ (Unit) ______________,
solemnly affirm and declare as follows:-
or
I, ________________ wife/Father/Mother/Daughter/Son Service No_______________Rank____________
Name__________________________ of (unit) _________________________________ solemnly affirm and
declare as follows:-
1. That I am/will be drawing pension vide PCDA Pension Payment Order
No______________________________dated___________________
2. That I have the following legal dependent(s) whose photograph(s) is/are affixed below on this Affidavit :-
Name Relationship Age Date of Birth Part II Order No/CRD/SD/POR No
Signed Photo of Dependent giving name,
Relationship and Identification mark
Signed Photo of Dependent giving name,
Relationship and Identification mark
(Photographs(s) to be pasted and signed across by the Applicant)
3. (a) That the combined monthly income (from all sources including income accruing from house/other
immovable property/fixed deposit etc) of my dependant father and /or dependent mother is less
than Rs 3500/-
(b) That is hereby certified that my parents (father/mother or both) do not draw any pension from
Central Govt/State Govt/PSUs/any Private Organisation and are physically residing with me.
4. That my child/ children is/are dependant on me and is/are NOT earning more than Rs. 3500/- per month,
& that my daughter(s) is/are NOT married.
5. I shall inform the ECHS immediately of his/her/their employment of earning more than Rs 3500/PM.
6. That in case of any change in the status of my dependants (due to death, marriage, employment), I will
inform Station Headquarters, ECHS Cell at the earliest and will stop use of ECHS facilities. I will refund in
full, the cost of any treatment that my dependent may have received after he/she became ineligible. I
shall be liable for civil/criminal action should I fail to do so.
7. (a) That I am NOT a member of any other medical scheme funded by Central Govt, PSU or any
other Govt undertaking.
(b) That my spouse is NOT a member CGHS or any other Govt Scheme.
8. I understand that in case I have submitted any incorrect information, or if any ECHS Membership Card is
misused or used by any unauthorised person, my membership will be cancelled without any notice or
further hearing. In addition, I will forfeit my contribution and I will pay the entire cost of expenditure
incurred on such unauthorised person(s). I will also be liable for legal action by the ECHS Organisation. I
will also immediately report the loss of my ECHS membership card to the nearest Station Headquarters.
9. That in case of any misuse of Smart Cards(s) or tampering with bills or attempt to defraud, once I become
a member , I will forfeit my membership automatically.
10. I undertake that in case of any misbehavior, on my part with Polyclinic Staff, my membership may be
suspended/cancelled/ terminated.
11. I understand that the contribution I am making is a one time token amount and is not refundable even if I
do not make use of any ECHS facility or opt out of ECHS Scheme.
VERIFICATION
I, the deponent above named, do hereby solemnly declare and verify that the contents of the above affidavit are
true to the best of my knowledge and belief, and nothing material has been concealed or suppressed therefrom.
Verified at (place)-----------------------on this (date)-----------------day of (Month)---------------------------Year-----------
Signature of Deponent
ATTESTATION
Certified that the above statement is declared before me at (Place)---------on this ------------day of (Month)----------
Year--------by DEPONENT Service No ----------------Rank-----------Name----------------------------Who is identified by
Name---------------------------------------S/O (Father’s name of Identifier)---------------------------------- and witnessed by
Name---------------------------------------S/O (Father’s name of first witness)& Name------------------------------------- S/O
(Father’s name of second witness).
WITNESS
Signature of Witness No.1
Signature of Witness No.2
1. (Name in Block Capitals) 1. (Name in Block Capitals)
(Full Postal Address)
(Full Postal Address
ATTESTED BY
MAGISTRATE/NOTARY PUBLIC

12
MILITARY RECEIVABLE ORDER
Bank’s Counterfoil (To be forwarded to the CDA)
(To be filled in by MRO issuing authority)
in lieu of IAFF (A) 507
Received a sum of Rs
Total (Rs in words)
----- Crores ------ lakhs --- thousands ---- hundreds ------ Tens ------ units
From ………………………………..………………………………. (name of the individual/unit/office)
By Cash/Cheque No ………… Date ……….. Bank ……… for credit to PCDA/CDA ………………..
……………………………………… on account of ………………………………. as Defence receipts
BSR Code D D M M Y Y Serial No
Bank Seal
(Signature of the Issuing Officer)
Unit/Officer
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depositor’s Counterfoil-1 (To be retained by the Depositor)
(To be filled up by Treasury/RBI/Bank)
Treasury/RBI/Bank …………………
Dated …..…………
Received a sum of Rs ……………….……………..(Rupees ……………….…………………. Only)from ……………….
(individual/Unit/Officer) on account of …………………….. for credit toPCDA/CDA……………… as Defence Receipt
BSR Code D D M M Y Y Serial No
Bank Seal
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
Depositor’s Counterfoil-2 (To be forwarded to PCDA/CDA)
(To be filled up by Treasury/RBI/Bank)
Dated ..………
Treasury/RBI/Bank …………………
Received a sum of Rs ……………….…………….. (Rupees ……………….…………………. Only) from………….….
(individual/Unit/Officer) on account of …………………….. for credit to PCDA/CDA ………………………… as Defence
Receipt
BSR Code D D M M Y Y Serial No
Bank Seal
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-----
Depositor’s Counterfoil-3 (To be retained by Stn HQ/Regional Centre)
(To be filled up by Treasury/RBI/Bank)
Dated ..………
Treasury/RBI/Bank …………………
Received a sum of Rs ……………….…………….. (Rupees ……………….…………………. Only) from………….…..
(individual/Unit/Officer) on account of …………………….. for credit to PCDA/CDA ………………………… as Defence
Receipt
BSR Code D D M M Y Y Serial No
Bank Seal

13
INSTRUCTIONS FOR MRO
Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) has nominated the following Army Principal Controllers of
Defence Accounts (PCsDA)/ Controllers of Defe+
nce Accounts
(CsDA) for accounting the contribution made in their areas of jurisdiction.
S.
No
Regional
Centre
01 Jammu
02 Delhi
03 Chandimandir
04 Jaipur
05 Pune
06 Lucknow
07 Kolkata
08 Patna
09 Jabalpur
10 Hyderbad
11 Chennai
12 Kochi
13 Guwahati
Polyclinic under jurisdiction of Regional Centres
Mandi,Yol ,Janglot (Kathua), Jammu, Udhampur, Srinagar, Samba,
Akhnoor, Leh, Rajouri, Pathankot, Bakhloh
Delhi Cantt (BHDC), New Delhi (Lodhi Road), Sonipat, Panipat,
Yamunanagar, Kaithal, Kurushetra, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Karnal,
Ambala, NOIDA, Ghaziabad (Hindon)
Chandimandir, Gurdaspur, Cahndigarh, Hoshiarpur, Jalandhar,
Ludhiana, Ropar, Amritsar, Sangrur, Fatehgarh Sahib, Faridkot
,Firozepur, Kapurthala, Patiala, Moga, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Una,
Shimla, Solan, Muktsar.
Jhunjhunu, Jaipur, Kota, Nagaur, Alwar, Bhartatpur, Sikar, Hindaun
City, Churu, Bikaner, Sriganganagar, Bhatinda, Mansa, Fatehabad,
Sirsa, Hisar, Jind, Bhiwani, Rohtak, Jhajjar, Rewari, Narnaul
Ahmedabad, Vadodra, Jamnagar, Bhind, Bhopal, Gwalior, Saugar,
Morena, Ahmedanagar, Jhansi, Orai, Panaji, Satra, Kolhapur,
Pune,Nagpur, Akola, Sholapur, Deolali, Aurangabad, Mumbai(Navy),
Mumbai(Upanagar), Miraj (Sangli), Chiplun , Sindgdurg,Thane
(Nerul), Amaravati, Buldana, Jalgaon, Osamanabad, Mahad, Latur,
Barmer(Jalipa), Jaisalmer,Jodhpur,Pali,Udaipur,Ajmer
Meerut, Agra, Bareilly, Lucknow, Muzaffarnagar, Etawah, Fatehgarh,
Kanpur, Mathura, Saharanpur(Sarsawa), Shanhjahanpur,
Bulandashar, Etah,Mainpuri, Aligarh, Badaun, Firozabad, Akbarpur
Matti, Raibereilly, Deharadun, Kotdwara, Pauri Garhwal, Almora,
Haldwani, Pithoragarh, Roorkee, Karanprayag
Krishnanagar, Lebong(Darjeeling), Kolkata, Bardwan, Bangdubi,
Barrackpore, Salt Lake, Midnapur, Gangtok
Ara, Muzaffarpur, Danapur (Patna), Gaya, Chhapra, Dharbanga,
Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Behrampur, Bhubaneswar, Balasore
Mhow, Jabalpur, Ghazipur, Gorakhpur, Allahabad, Fatehpur, Raipur,
Pratapgarh, Rewa, Faizabad, Varanasi, Balia, Deoria, Azamgarh,
Sulthanpur
Guntur, Secunderbad,Vishakhapatnam, Chittor, Giddalur, Golconda,
Vijayawada, Kakinaada, Dharwad, Mysore, Karwar,
Bangalore(Urban), Yalahanka, Manglore, Bijapur, Belgaum, Madikeri
Vellore, Chennai, Tirunalveli, Coimbatore, Thiruvannamalai, Avadi,
Srivilliputtur,Dindigul, Wellington, Madurai, Krishnagiri, Kanchipuram,
Salem, Tiruchirapalali, Cuddalore, Nagarcoil, Nagapattinam,
Tanjavur, Theni, Tuticorin, Villupuram, Port Blair
Trivandrum, Kannur, Palakkad,Kochi, Pathannathitta, Kozhikode,
Alleppey, Quilon, Trissur, Kotnayam, Perintalamann
Guwahati, Jorhat, Masimpur, Shilong, Zakhama(Kohima), Dimapur,
Aizwal, Imphal(Leima Khong), Agartala
Name to be
Entered in MRO
Army PCDA CDA
PCDA(NC) Jammu
PCDA (WC)
Chandigarh
PCDA (WC)
Chandigarh
CDA(SWC) Jaipur
PCDA(SC) Pune
PCDA(CC)
Lucknow
CDA Patna
CDA Patna
CDA Jabalpur
CDA Secunderabad
CDA Chennai
CDA Kochi
CDA Guwahati

14
DPDO/BANKER’S CERTIFICATE
Certified the following:
Ser. No ….….……………. Rank …….………………….. Name………………………………………………………
Pension Account No ………………………………………………………. of this Bank is drawing Pension as follows:
(a) Uncommuted Basic Pension Rs. ………………………………………..
(b) Dearness Pension Rs. ……………………………………….
(50% of Basic Pension)
(c) DA Rs. ………………………………………
Rs. ……………………………………...
His Pension Payment Order No .is……………………………….………………………………………………
Fixed Medical Allowance has been stopped w.e.f. (date) …………………………………………………….
(Authority for discontinuation of FMA. CGDA New Delhi Circular No. 5601/AT-P/Paytt dated 17 Jun 05 and GOI, MOD
letter No. 2 (a) / 01/ US(WE)/D (Res) dated 30 Dec 2002)
Date ________________________
PDA/Bank manger/i/c DPDO
(With Official Stamp)

ECHS SMART CARD
1. Refer our following letters :-
(a) B/49711/AG/ECHS dated 07 Sep 2005.
(b) B/49711/AG/ECHS dated 08 Nov 2005
(c) B/49711-SC/AG/ECHS dated 04 Jan 2006.
(d) B/49711/AG/ECHS dated 13 Mar 2008
(e) B/49711/AG/ECHS dated 14 Aug 2008.
2. ECHS is constantly striving to improve the quality of service being provided to the beneficiaries.
For this purpose complete automation of polyclinic process is being undertaken. Further there is a need
to strengthen the verification process both at polyclinic and empanelled hospital level. For this purpose
the existing smart card needs to be upgraded to have good quality photograph and adequate storage
space for data capture (minimum 32 KB chip).
3. Veterans during the annual ECHS Seminar had desired that each member should have an
individual card to provide flexibility of treatment across the country as per their requirement.
4. The matter has been deliberated upon and it has been decided to introduce individual ECHS
smart card per beneficiary having good quality colour photograph and a 32 KB memory chip. The
upgraded smart card will be mandatory for new members joining the scheme with effect from 01 Jun
2010 to facilitate recording of complete medical history in the chip, authentication of beneficiary at
polyclinic/empanelled hospital and other IT enabled services. With introduction of one card per
beneficiary there will be no requirement of remanufacturing the card on change of parent polyclinic.
The same will be done online.
5. Existing members will have the option of continuing with the current card albeit with limited
facilities or to opt for the new card. The dependant cards of parents and children will have to be
reactivated after two years for the purpose of strengthening verification and vigilance.
6. The above contents may please be disseminated to all concerned.
7. The letters as mentioned at Para 1 (a) to (e) above are hereby superseded.
Col
Offg Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS
auth:B/49711/AG/ECHS 25 Feb 2010

REVISION IN COST OF ECHS SMART CARD
1. Refer our letter No B/49711/AG/ECHS dated 25 Feb 2010.
2. The fresh contract for manufacturing of ECHS smart card with Score Information Technologies
Limited (SITL) is being finalised for another five years. As per the contract upgraded ECHS smart card
would be manufactured at the cost of Rs 135/- per card.
3. The revised rate as mentioned above will be applicable on manufacturing of ECHS cards for all
ECHS beneficiaries granted membership with effect from 01 Jun 2010.
4. It is requested that the above be given wide publicity and disseminated to all concerned under
your jurisdiction.
5. Regional Centres Only. You are requested to ensure smooth implementation of revised rates
as mentioned above in your AOR.
Lt Col
Jt Dir (Pers)
for MD ECHS
auth: B/49711/AG/ECHS 01 Apr 2010

ECHS MEMBERSHIP TO COAST GUARD PENSIONERS
1. Introduction. Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme introduced vide Govt of India,
Ministry of Defence letter No. 22(1)01/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 30 Dec 02 has further been extended to
the uniformed Coast Guard pensioners, through a Corrigendum issued vide Govt of India, Ministry of
Defence, Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare letter no. 22(68)/2006/US(WE)/D(Res) dated
22 Jan 08. With the issue of ibid corrigendum, all the facilities of ECHS as applicable to the exservicemen
will be applicable mutatis mutandis to the uniformed Coast Guard pensioners.
2. Applicability. The Scheme will be compulsory for all retired Coast Guard personnel who have
been transferred to pension establishment on or after 22 Jan 08. Those persons who have retired
earlier than 22 Jan 08 may join ECHS as per their discretion.
3. Eligibility. All uniformed Coast Guard pensioners drawing pension/disability pension / family
pension as per Pension Pay Order (PPO) will be eligible for ECHS membership.
4. Contribution. War widows, battle casualties and pre 1996 retirees are exempted from one time
ECHS contribution. The rate of contribution for others is as follows:-
PENSION
Rate of one time subscription
(Uncommuted Basic Pension +
Dearness Pension)
Upto Rs. 3000/- Rs. 1800/-
Between Rs.3001/- to 6000/- Rs. 4800/-
Between Rs. 6001/- to 10000/- Rs. 8400/-
Between Rs. 10001/- to 15000/- Rs. 12000/-
Above Rs. 15001/- Rs. 18000/-
5. Payment of Contribution
(a) Persons retiring before 01 Jun 08. Contribution in respect of such personnel has to be
deposited through MRO and Bank draft in favour of Director, Regional Centre, Delhi Cantt. An
additional amount for smart card @ Rs. 90/- per card is to be paid by bank draft as per existing
orders alongwith the application.
(b) Persons retiring on or after 01 Jun 08. The contribution amount in respect of such
pensioners will be deducted by the pension payment authority.
6. Processing of ECHS Application.
(a) Persons retiring before 01 Jun 08
(i) Such persons are to collect application form from nearest Station HQs of
Army/Navy/Air Force or from Coast Guard Headquarters (CGHQ) New Delhi / Bureau of
Naviks (BUVIK) Mumbai.
(ii) Forms can also be downloaded from internet website
www.indianarmy.nic.in/arechs.htm.
(iii) Submission of Complete Application Form. The duly filled applications are to be
submitted alongwith copies of under mentioned documents to CGHQ (in case of officer)
and BUVIK (in case of EP) for verification :-

(aa) Pension Payment Order (PPO) duly attested by Bank/Treasury from where
pension is being drawn.
(ab)
(ac)
(ad)
(ae)
Discharge Certificate / Retired / Dependent I-Card.
Two copies (in original) of the MRO as proof of deposit of contribution.
Affidavit duly notarised.
Bank draft for smart card in favour of Director, Regional Centre, Delhi Cantt.
(iv) The applications of Enrolled Personnel duly verified will be forwarded by BUVIK to
CGHQ. CGHQ is to centrally forward duly completed application forms to the Regional
Centre at Delhi for onward submission to SITL for making of ECHS smart cards.
(b) Persons retiring on or after 01 Jun 08.
(i) Issue of ECHS Application Form. The blank ECHS application form for the retiring
personnel alongwith the retirement order and other primary pension documents will be
forwarded by the Record Office authorities as mentioned below :-
(aa) CGHQ (Directorate of - For Officers
Personnel)
(ab) BUVIK - For Enrolled Personnel
(ii) Submission of ECHS Application Forms by Individual/Unit. Individual / Unit will
forward duly filled in ECHS Application Form (Less PPO details) to Record Office
concerned, minimum 06 months before due date of retirement along with other primary
pension documents.
(iii) Receipt and Vetting of ECHS Application Forms. On receipt of filled ECHS
application form from individual / unit, by above mentioned respective Coast Guard
establishments, will carry out vetting for its correctness. In case of any observation, the
same will be got rectified from individual/unit. An acknowledgement/receipt of the
application form will be despatched to the individual and the ECHS application form after
vetting will be sent to the Regional Centre ECHS, Delhi Cantt.
7. ECHS Cell at Coast Guard Headquarters. Coast Guard Headquarters located at New Delhi
will establish an ECHS Cell to deal with all policy matters related to ECHS. The correspondence
address in this regard is Coast Guard Headquarters, {for Director(Personnel)}, ECHS Cell, National
Stadium Complex, New Delhi – 110 001.
8. Regional Centre ECHS. Regional Centre ECHS, Delhi Cantt will be responsible for processing
of applications received from CGHQ and process them as is being done now in respect of other
pensioners. The Regional Centre ECHS, Delhi Cantt will ensure preparation of smart card by SITL and
process them to ECHS Cell at CGHQ for distribution.

9. Manufacture and Despatch of Smart card by Regional Centre ECHS Delhi Cantt. Affiliated
Regional Centre to recheck the form received from CGHQ/BUVIK and submit to SITL for manufacture of
smart cards. ECHS smart card on receipt by Regional Centre will be despatched to ECHS Cell, CGHQ
for issue to the individual before retirement.
10. All other procedures and policies of ECHS will also apply to uniformed Indian Coast Guard
pensioners in letter and spirit.
11. You are requested to give wide publicity.
Brig
Dy MD
For MD ECHS
Authority: Central org letter No:B/49701-CG/AG/ECHS dt 02 May 08

EXTENSION OF EX-SERVICEMEN CONTRIBUTORY HEALTH SCHEME TO THE RETIRED
PERSONNEL OF DEFENCE SECURITY CORPS
1. Introduction. Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme introduced vide Govt of India,
Ministry of Defence letter No 22(1)01/US (WE)/D (Res) dated 30 Dec 2002 has further been extended to
the retired personnel of Defence Security Corps, through a Corrigendum issued vide Govt of India,
Ministry of Defence, Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare letter No 22(68)/2006/ US(WE)/D (Res) dt
22 Jan 08. With the issue of ibid corrigendum, all the facilities of ECHS as applicable to the exservicemen
will be applicable mutatis mutandis to the retired personnel of Defence Security Corps.
2. Applicability. The scheme will be compulsory for all retired personnel of Defence Security
Corps (including TA retirees who were not eligible earlier) who have been transferred to pension
establishment on or after 22 Jan 2008. Those persons who retired earlier than 22 Jan 2008 may join
ECHS as per their discretion.
3. Contribution. The ECHS subscription will be charged from the pensioners/dependents on the
basis of their Un-commuted Basic Pension plus Dearness Pension as per existing rates. The following
categories of personnel are exempted from one time ECHS contribution :-
(a)
(b)
(c)
War widows.
Battle casualties.
Pre 01 Jan 1996 retirees.
4. Processing of ECHS Applications. On receipt of disch order, ECHS application should be
submitted in duplicate duly completed in all respect alongwith the following docu clear 08 months in adv
in a separate file cover :-
(a) Affidavit duly completed in all respect as per format attached at page No 10 of the
application form.
(b)
Demand draft for Rs. 90/- or Rs/- 180/- or Rs. 270/- as applicable.
(c) Blood group test reports of all eligible individuals if the pensioner willing to add the same
in the smart card. Though it is not mandatory.
(d)
(e)
Additional passport size single colour photos of each individual.
Former service PPO duly attested.
5. DSC personnel who have already retired from DSC service prior to the issue of corrigendum
under GOI, Min of Def, department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare letter No 22(68)/2006/4S(WE) D (Res) dt
22 Jan 2008, will approach their nearest Polyclinic /Stn HQ for obtaining ECHS applications and further
processing of the same.

6. All other procedures and policies of ECHS will also apply to DSC personnel in letter and spirit.
7. This may be given wide publicity.
Brig
Dy MD
For MD ECHS
Authority : Central Org letter No : B/49701-DSC/AG/ECHS dt 17 Apr 2008

ECHS MEMBERSHIP TO NEPAL DOMICILED GORKHAS (NDGs)
1. The case for extension of ECHS in India to Nepal Domicile Gorkhas (NDGs) was taken up by
Central Org ECHS with the Govt. During 11 th meeting of the Managing Committee of the Armed Forces
Flag Day Fund held on 05 Nov 08, Hon’ble Raksha Mantri had granted in principle approval for grant
of membership to all NDGs with the provision that the treatment would have to be availed in India only.
2. Presently the case is under process at MoD. A Cabinet Note is being prepared by MoD for
approval of the Govt. Thereafter, formal govt orders would be issued on the subject.
3. The applications for membership are to be accepted only after Govt letter is issued.
4. All concerned units/agencies are therefore informed accordingly.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS

ECHS MEMBERSHIP TO TERRITORIAL ARMY PERSONNEL
1. Please refer to this org letter No B/49764/AG/ECHS dated 10 Oct 2003.
2. The Commanding Officer of the last unit is responsible for forwarding the ECHS application of
eligible TA personnel to respective Record offices six months before retirement. Record office is
authorised to sign the receipt which is valid upto six months for treatment in Polyclinic. Procedure of
forwarding of applications is similar to serving personnel of the three services. However, cards may be
issued only after PPOs are recd.
3. Record office is responsible to check/confirm the eligibility conditions and ensure deduction of
ECHS contribution in PPO as well as issue smart card (s) to individual.
4. The above may please be given wide publicity.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS
AUTH : B/49701-TA/AG/ECHS 12 Aug 2009

ELIGIBILITY ECHS MEMBERSHIP : MERGER OF PENSION
WITH SECOND SERVICE
1. Further to this HQ letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dated 18 Nov 2003.
2. Cases have also come to notice where on retirement many pensioners after taking up a second
career with Central Govt/State Govt/PSUS/PMF, have opted to merge their pension with the second
service. Armed Forces Veterans (AFV) who have retired after completion of terms of engagement and
later opted to merge their pension with the second career do fulfill the eligibility conditions of being a
pensioner. In such cases following documents may be accepted as proof:-
(a) Certificate from current/last employer clearly stating that his previous pension (from
service in Armed Forces) has been merged with current pension.
(b)
(c)
Copy of PPO, if available or Pension Book/Discharge Book in respect of PBOR.
Service Particulars Retired/Released Officer’s (Booklet) in respect of officers.
3. The above may please be given wide publicity.
Brig
Dy MD
for MD ECHS
(Authority: Central Organisation, ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dated 19 Apr 2007).

ELIGIBILITY FOR JOINING ECHS : RECRUITS EARNING DISABILITY PENSION
1. Please refer to this Organisation letter No B/49708-RECT/AG/ECHS dated 11 Jan
2005 and letter of even No dated 17 Feb 2005.
2. It is clarified that a Recruit who is in receipt of medical/disability pension is alone
eligible to join the ECHS. The following dependents of the recruit are NOT permitted to be
included for ECHS benefits :-
(a)
(b)
(c)
Parents.
Wife.
Children.
3. The recruit who was already married prior to joining the training at the Regimental
Centre would be permitted to have his wife and children, if any, included as his dependents.
This fact would be checked from the Part II Order published. However, the parents of such a
recruit would not be entitled to be shown as dependents.
4. The cases of Recruits who have already joined ECHS will be reviewed accordingly and
names of dependents, if any, will be deleted immediately.
5. All instructions on the above subject issued earlier are hereby superseded.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49708-RECT/AG/ECHS dt 22 May 2006.

ELIGIBILITY OF DEPENDENTS : ECHS MEMBERSHIP
1. Please refer to our following letters:-
(a) B/49764/AG/ECHS dt 10 Oct 2003.
(b) B/49701-SP/AG/ECHS/R dt 06 May 2005.
(c) B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 01 Jun 2006.
(d) B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 26 Mar 2007.
(e) B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 05 Apr 2007.
(f) B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 16 Apr 2007.
2. It is observed that ECHS membership is refused to eligible ESM for their bonafide
handicapped children who are unable to earn their livelihood on the grounds that necessary
endorsement of grant of family pension in the PPOs is not made.
3. It should be appreciated that a bonafide handicapped child unable to earn his livelihood is
eligible for ECHS membership for life. The only mandatory requirements are:-
(a)
Publication of Part II Orders for inclusion of birth of child in Record of Service.
(b) Endorsement by civil Surgeon/Appropriate Service Medical Authorities for
ascertaining the disability.
4. Considering the above though an ESM may be advised to get necessary endorsement
made in the PPO which is in his own interest and that of the child but it will not be a mandary
requirement for grant of ECHS membership.
5. Para 3 (e) (iii) of our ibid letter at Para 1 (c) be treated as cancelled.
Authority : Central Org letter No : B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS 18 Dec 2007
Brig
Dy MD
For MD ECHS

ELIGIBILITY OF DEPENDENTS : ECHS MEMBERSHIP
1. Please refer to following policy letters:-
(a) B/49764/AG/ECHS dt 10 Oct 2003.
(b) B/49701-SP/AG/ECHS/R dt 06 May 2005.
(c) B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 01 Jun 206.
2. As per the existing instructions, an ESM pensioner/family pensioner is permitted to include
names of his/her wholly dependent children for grant of ECHS membership. However, names of such
children should be found recorded in the service records of the ESM pensioner. For children born after
retirement or for some other reasons if the names of children are not endorsed in the Service Records
during the service; an ESM is required to approach his Record Office for endorsement of names of his
children through publication of Non Effective Series of part II Orders. Provisions exists for publication
of Record Office NE Part II Orders within three years ie up to Aug 2007 for getting necessary Part II
Orders published by affected ESM has been granted by the competent authority.
3. Notwithstanding the above, cases have come to light wherein an ESM has expired and the
names of children are not found recorded in the service records of the deceased soldier. The names of
such dependent children can not be recorded in the service records of the deceased soldier as per
rules on the subject. As result some widows whose husbands or orphan children whose parents did
not get the necessary Part II Orders published, are facing difficulties in seeking ECHS membership. To
ameliorate the difficulties of affected widows and such orphans children, the procedure as mentioned
in the succeeding paragraphs will be followed, in future.
4. Such widows and orphan children will apply for membership of ECHS along with following
additional documents in lieu of endorsement of names in the service records of the ESM
pensioner. In other words, publication of Part II Orders in such cases will not be insisted:-
(a)
An ‘Affidavit’ on Rs. 10/- Non Judicial Stamp paper duly certifying that:-
(i) My husbaband/parent No __________ Rank ___________ Name
_______retired from Army/Navy/Indian Air Force Service wef
________.
(ii)
My husband/ESM parent expired on ___________________.
(iii) The following child(ren) whose photograh(s) is/are affixed against their name
was/were born to the deceased ESM pensioner on dates noted against each:-
Ser Name Date of Birth Photograph
(iv) The child(ren) mentioned above is/are wholly dependent and is/are not
employed.
(v) My husband/parent could not get name(s) of our above named child(ren)
recorded in his service records prior to his death.
(vi)
I have not suppressed or concealed any information.

(vii) I understand that in case any information submitted with regard to birth of
children and their being dependent, is found to be false or incorrect at any stage, my
ECHS membership is liable to cancelled without any notice.
(b)
(c)
The above affidavit is to be witnessed by two persons and notarised.
Birth Certificate (s) of child( ren).
6. In case of minor orphan child(ren), the necessary affidavit will be rendered by the legal
guardian and a copy of guardianship certificate will be attached with the affidavit.
7. The above may please be given wide publicity.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS
Authority: Central Org ECHS, Army HQ letter B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 26 Mar 2007

IMPLEMENTATION OF SUPREME COURT ORDER
PRE 01 JAN 1996 RETIREES
1. Further to our following Signals:-
(a)
(b)
A-333396/AG/ECHS dt 16 Apr 07 addsd to all HQs Comds.
A-333412/AG/ECHS dt 17 Apr 07 addsd to IHQ MOD (Navy) and IHQ MOD (Air).
2. Copy of GOI, MOD letter No 17(10/06/US(WE)/D(Res) dt 13 Apr 07 is fwd herewith for your info
and necessary action.
3. As per above GOI MOD letter, all Ex-Servicemen who are drawing pension from Controller of
Defence Accounts and who have retired prior to 01 Jan 1996 are exempted from payment of
contribution under Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme. However, they will continue to apply
for membership. All documents except MRO will be submitted alongwith application form.
4. MOD has been requested for instructions on refund of contribution in respect of those pre 01
Jan 1996 retirees who have already joined ECHS. Decision and procedure for the same will be
intimated as and when received from the Government.
5. You are requested to disseminate the contents of this letter to all concerned and give wide
publicity to it.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS

INCOME CRITERIA FROM ALL SOURCES
FOR DEPENDENTS
1. Further to this Organisation letter No B/49764/AG/ECHS dated 10 Oct 2003 and
B/49701-SP/AG/ECHS dated 06 May 2005.
2. Consequent to the implementation of recommendations of the 6 th Pay Commission
and revision of income criteria for dependency of “family” in the CGHS vide Govt of India,
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare letter No S. 11012/1/98- CGHS (P) dated 10 Dec
2008, the income criteria for dependency of family in ECHS also stands revised to “Rs.
3500/- plus amount of Dearness Relief on the basic pension of Rs. 3500/- as on the
date of consideration”. The amount of Dearness Relief, as indicated in the income
limit stands for the amount of Dearness Relief drawn by a pensioner/family pensioner on
the date of consideration and not the amount of Dearness Relief due on the date of
consideration.
3. The orders are to be implemented with immediate effect. All other terms and
conditions of eligibility will remain unchanged.
4. The point may be noted by the eligible ESM while submitting Affidavit for
membership.
5. This Organisation letter No B/49701-SP/AG/ECHS dated 06 May 2005 stands
superseded.
6. The above may please be given wide publicity.
Col
Dir (Ops&Coord)
for MD ECHS
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 04 feb 2009

ISSUE OF ECHS SMART CARD
1. Reference to the following letters of this HQ :-
(a) B/49711/AG/ECHS dt 09 Mar 2005.
(b) B/49711/AG/ECHS dt 15 Apr 2008.
2. It has been observed that the ESM are facing inconvenience especially in remote areas in
collection of ECHS Smart Cards under the existing procedure wherein the cards are required to be
collected from the nearest Regional Centre/Station HQ.
3. Based on the feedback received from the environment, it has been decided that with immediate
effect the ECHS Smart Card will be issued under respective station HQ in consultation with dependent
Regional Centre through either Station HQ, Regional Centre, Polyclinic, any regular service unit or
District Soldier Board as deemed appropriate ensuring proper accountability at each level. No Card (s)
will be sent through mail to any member under any circumstances as the receipt for document issued is
required to be withdrawn and kept at Regional Centre/Station HQ being an accountable document.
4. The letters under reference may please be amended accordingly.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS

Tele : 23336735 Central Organisation ECHS
Ascon : 36735 Adjutant General’s Branch
Integrated HQ of MoD (Army)
Maude Lines
Delhi Cantt- 110 010
B/49711/AG/ECHS 28 May 2010
IHQ of MoD (Navy)//Dir ECHS (N)
Air HQ (VB)/DPS
HQ Coast Guard
KSB
DGR
HQ Southern Command (A/ECHS)
HQ Eastern Command (A/ECHS)
HQ Western Command (A/ECHS)
HQ Central Command (A/ECHS)
HQ Northern Command (A/ECHS)
HQ South Western Command (A/ECHS)
HQ Andaman & Nicobar Command (A/ECHS)
APPLICATION FORM FOR UPGRADATION OF ECHS SMART CARD
FOR EXISTING MEMBERS
1. Refer our letter No B/49711/AG/ECHS dated 25 Feb 2010 and even No dated 01 Apr 2010.
2. A specimen application form for upgradation of ECHS smart card by existing members
already in possession of ECHS smart card is enclosed herewith. The format of the application is
also being uploaded at our website www.indianarmy.nic.in . The same may be downloaded by
the members.
3. It is requested that the above be given wide publicity and disseminated to all concerned under
your jurisdiction.
Copy to :-
MP 5/6
AG’s Branch
All Regional Centres
All Station HQ
All Record Offices
Internal
Sd/- x x x x x
(DS Dalal)
Lt Col
Jt Dir (Pers)
for MD ECHS
P&FC
Med

APPLICATION FORM FOR UPGRADATION OF ECHS SMART CARD
FOR EXISTING MEMBERS (CARD HOLDERS)
(FILL UP ALL DETAILS IN BOLD LETTERS)
1. Pensioner/Family Pensioner Name : ___________________________________________
2. Relationship: Self/Spouse/Father/ Mother/Son/Daughter Of
3. Service No ________________ Rank ___________ Name _________________________
4. Existing Card Regn No _____________________________________________________
5. Force: Army/Navy/Air Force/Coast Guard/DSC/SFF (As applicable)
6. Details of member/ dependents :-
Ser
No
Member/ Dependent Name (with
address and tele No with STD code
if deferent from existing one)
Relationship
Parent
Polyclinic
required
Latest Colour
Photo(Passport Size)
with white background
UID No
(if available)
UID No
(if available)
UID No
(if available)
UID No
(if available)
8. Total cards demanded 9. Amount (Rupees)
10. Payment Details : DD No Date
Amount (Rupees)
Bank Name
11. (a) Physical Disability ( ) Yes No Please attach relevant
documentary proof
(b) War Disability ( ) Yes No
Date
Signature of Applicant
Applicants to retain photocopy of this form duly receipted by polyclinic/Stn HQ/Regional
Centre.
PTO

2
In case any changes required to the existing details please specify eg change of parent
polyclinic, change of address and deletion of beneficiary due to death, marriage, over 25 age
(son) & employment etc.
Ser
No
Changes required
Reason
Note :-1. The Cost of upgraded ECHS Cards will be paid @ Rs 135/- per card through DD in
favour of dependent Regional Centre ECHS
2. War disabled will be provided with white cards.
3. The application alongwith DD in favour of dependent Regional Centre may be
deposited at Polyclinic/Station HQ/Regional Centre.
4. The new card(s) will be delivered at polyclinic where the forms were deposited.
5. The old cards including add on card (s) will be required for activation of new cards and
transfer of data. On successful activation, the old card(s) will automatically be deactivated.
6. The OIC Policlinic on activation of new card will destroy the old card and will render a
certificate to this effect to dependent Regional Centre for updating the record. A proper record
will be maintained at Policlinic to this effect.
7. Incase of more than four members / dependants use additional sheet of this form.

ADVISORY NOTE 4: AGED/INVALID PATIENTS
AT ECHS POLYCLINICS
1. Refer to Central Org letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dated 15 Mar 2007 and B/49701
PR/AG/ECHS dated 19 nov 2007.
2. A number of representations have been received seeking special treatment for vary senior
(aged/infirm./invalid) patients at ECHS polyclinics. While the present policy caters for priority in
treatment for senior citizen (male above 75 and female above 70), it has been learnt that they still have
to queue-up for reception/consultation albeit in a different queue.
3. No provision exists for special consideration in respect of very senior (aged/infirm/invalid)
patients. It is therefore advised that the Stn Cdr may institute measures to alleviate the problem of this
category of patients.
4. Case study of ‘X’ Polyclinic Stn Cdr in respect of ‘X’ Polyclinic instituted a system where in
very aged/infirm patients come and wait while sitting in an earmarked area. Nursing assistant/peon
takes their card/treatment book. They are called for registration and thereafter consultation. A simple
step instituted by a responsive Stn Cdr greatly improved the satisfaction level amongst very aged
veterans. A few veterans above 80 yrs however refuse to join these ‘sitting sissies’
5. It is not the intention to enforce a template solution. However, based on the situation obtained in
ECHS Polyclinics with respect to load and staffing Stn Cdrs may consider instituting such a system
which takes care of the needs of the ages veterans.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
For MD ECHS

The Chief of Army Staff
The Chief of Naval Staff
The Chief of Air Staff
CORRIGENDIUM
Sir,
I am directed to convey the sanction of the President to the following amendments being made in
Appendix ‘A’ & ‘B’ to GOI MoD letter No 24(6)/03/US(WE)/D(res) dated 22 Sep 2003.
2. Appendix ‘A’ amended to read as follows :-
Sr Category For Read
No
Contractual Fees
(Per Month)
Contractual Fee
(Per Months)
1. Medical Officer Rs 15,000/- Rs 25,000/-
2. Specialist (Medical Specialist & Rs 25,000/- Rs 35,000/-
Gynecologist)
3. Dental Officer Rs 15,000/- Rs 25,000/-
4. Officer in Charge Polyclinic Rs 15,000/- Rs 25,000/-
5. Nursing Assistant (Nurse) Rs 75,00/- Rs10,000/-
6. Nursing Assistant (General) Rs 7,000/- Rs 95,00/-
7. Nursing Assistant (X Ray
Rs 75,00/-
Rs10,000/-
Assistant/Radiographer))
8. Nursing Assistant (Physiotherapist) Rs 75,00/- Rs10,000/-
9. Laboratory Assistant Rs 75,00/- Rs10,000/-
10. Dental Hygienist Dental Assistant Rs 75,00/- Rs10,000/-
* as amended vide GOI MOD 24(6)/03/US(WE)/D(res) dated 29 Jun 05.
3. Appendix ‘B’ amended to read follows :-
Sr Category For Read
No
Contractual Fees
(Per Month)
Contractual Fee
(Per Months)
1. Receptionist/Clerk/Data Rs 75,00/- Rs 8,000/-
2. Female Attendant Rs 35,00/- Rs 6,500/-
3. Driver Rs 45,00/- Rs 7,000/-
4. Peon Rs 35,00/- Rs 65,00/-
5 Safai Wala Rs 35,00/- Rs 65,00/-

CONTEMPT PETITION (C) NO. 16 OF 2007 IN WRIT
PETITION (CIVIL) NO. 210/1999 FILED BY RETIRED
DEFENCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION BEFORE
THE HON’BLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
1. Further to our letter No B/49717-C/AG/ECHS dt 18 Apr 2007.
2. A Contempt Petition (C) 16 of 2007 in WP (C) No 210/1999 was filed by the Confederation of Exservicemen
Association against non-refund of ECHS subscription to pre - 01 Jan 1996 retirees, for ECHS
membership. The Contempt Petition has since been dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
3. The same may please be disseminated to the environment.
Col
Jt Dir (C & L)
For MD ECHS

CONTEMPT PETITION (C) NO. 16 OF 2007 IN WRIT
PETITION (CIVIL) NO. 210/1999 FILED BY RETIRED
DEFENCE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION BEFORE
THE HON’BLE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
1. Further to our letter No B/49717-C/AG/ECHS dt 18 Apr 2007.
2. A Contempt Petition (C) 16 of 2007 in WP (C) No 210/1999 was filed by the Confederation of Exservicemen
Association against non-refund of ECHS subscription to pre - 01 Jan 1996 retirees, for ECHS
membership. The Contempt Petition has since been dismissed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court.
3. The same may please be disseminated to the environment.
Col
Jt Dir (C & L)
For MD ECHS

TREATMENT TO PARENT ON ADD ON CARD
1. Refer our letter No B/49711/AG/ECHS dated 02 Jan 2006.
2. A number of requests from environment are being received to issue add on cards for dependent
parents of ECHS members. Henceforth, add on card for dependent parents may be issued by the
Regional Centres depending upon the merit of the case. Our letter under ref may be amended
accordingly.
3. All Polyclinics under your jurisdiction may be informed to entertain add on cards issued for
dependent parents accordingly.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS
Authority :- Central Org ECHS Letter No B/49711/AG/ECHS dt 14 Aug 2008

TREATMENT TO PARENT ON ADD ON CARD
1. Refer our letter No B/49711/AG/ECHS dated 02 Jan 2006.
2. A number of requests from environment are being received to issue add on cards for dependent
parents of ECHS members. Henceforth, add on card for dependent parents may be issued by the
Regional Centres depending upon the merit of the case. Our letter under ref may be amended
accordingly.
3. All Polyclinics under your jurisdiction may be informed to entertain add on cards issued for
dependent parents accordingly.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS
Authority :- Central Org ECHS Letter No B/49711/AG/ECHS dt 14 Aug 2008

MATERIAL ON ECHS FOR BAAT CHEET/SAINIK SAMACHAR
1. Defence magazines ie Baat Cheet and Sainik Samachar are published by ADG PI and ADG PR
respectively. It is noticed that ECHS coverage is not upto the mark.
2. You are requested to forward material on ECHS alongwith good quality photographs for making
an interesting reading. Material highlighting achievements, new developments and important works
accomplished for Baat Cheet and Sainik Samachar be forwarded directly to ADG PI for Baat Cheet and
ADG PR for Sainik Samachar for their publication on regular basis every month.
3. The ECHS News may cover the following aspects in particular :-
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
VIP Visits and Tour by Senior Officers.
Inaugurations of polyclinics.
Any local activities pertaining ECHS/medicare.
Any event relating ECHS alongwith photographs.
Authority : Central Org Letter NO :B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt12 Aug 2008
Cdr
Jt Dir (Ops)
For MD ECHS

AMENDMENT
1. Refer to our letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dated 05 Dec 2007.
2. The following amendments may please be made in Central Organisation letter under reference:-
(a) Subject.
For
- Amplification on ECHS Membership for Re-employed Officers
Read - Amplification on ECHS Membership for Re-employed Personnel
(b)
Para 4 & 4 (a).
For - 4. In view of the above following fresh guidelines will apply in case of reemployed
officers, both pre and posts 01 Apr 03 retirees :-
(a) Re-employed Officer can become ECHS member.
Read - 4. In view of the above following fresh guidelines will apply in case of reemployed
personnel, both pre and posts 01 Apr 03 retirees :-
(a)
3. Rest no change.
Re-employed personnel can become ECHS member.
Authority : Central Org Letter NO :B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 27 FEB 2008
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
For MD ECHS

REVISED POLICY ON ECHS APPLICATION FORM/ISSUE OF DUPLICATE SMART
CARD(S)/TEMPORARY RECEIPT FOR DOCUMENTS SUBMITTED FOR ECHS MEMBERSHIP
1. Refer following letters of Army HQ:-
(a) B/49720/AG/ECHS dated 12 Mar 2003.
(b) B/49708-R/AG/ECHS dated 15 Oct 2004
(c) B/49708-R/AG/ECHS dated 01 Mar 2004.
(d) B/49708-R/AG/ECHS dated 31 Mar 2004.
(e) B/49708-R/AG/ECHS dated 17 Jun 2004
(f) B/49711/AG/ECH-1 dated 10 Jan 2005.
(g) B/49708-R/AG/ECHS dt 19 Jan 2005.
(h) B/49711/AG/ECHS dt 19 Apr 2005.
(j) B/49711/AG/ECHS dated 12 Mar 2007.
(k) B/49701-Appl/AG/ECHS dated 04 Dec 2007.
2. The revised application form alongwith other relevant documents and instructions is att as Appx
‘A’. The application form will continue to be made available at all Stn HQs, ECHS Regional Centres
and Record Offices for grant of ECHS membership. The same is also being posted on the Army Web
(AWAN) and internet www.indianarmy.nic.in. Officials at these issue points may also be directed to
offer necessary help to the ex-servicemen in filling up their forms since it is available in English only.
3. Receipt of Application, Vetting and Issue of ECHS Membership Cards. Initial application
duly completed alongwith all relevant documents in respect of eligible pre 01 Apr 2003 retirees exservicemen
will be deposited with nearest Stn HQ/Regional Centres in person. After vetting of
applications, a temporary receipt duly signed by designated officer at Stn HQs will be given to the
individual which will be valid for taking medical treatment till the receipt of the ECHS Smart Card(s). The
vetted application form then will be forwarded to dependent Regional Centre. On receipt of the
documents final scrutiny will be carried out at Regional Centre which will arrange the manufacturing of
ECHS Smart Cards through nominated Vendor. On receipt of ECHS Smart Cards the same will be
forwarded to the dependent Stn HQs for further handing over to the applicant. The serving personnel
will continue to process their applications through respective record offices, i.e
MP5-6 (for Army Officers)/Air HQ (for AF Officer)/AFRO (for AF PBOR)/ NHQ (for Naval Officers)
/ CABS (for Naval
PBOR)/ CGHQ (For Coast Guard Officers and PBOR). The application form duly vetted must then be
sent by the concerned Record Office to concerned Regional Centre for manufacturing of ECHS Smart
Cards. The receipt of the documents will be retained by them for further handing over to the individual in
case Smart Card is not ready for handing over prior to retirement. Detailed procedure for filling
up/handling of application forms are given at Appx ‘B’.
4. Duplicate Smart Card (s). The procedure for issue of duplicate Smart Card (s) / Temporary
Receipt will be as enumerated in succeeding paragraphs.
5. In case of loss of a Smart Card (s) / Temporary Receipt ECHS member will submit an
application on plain paper with complete details of lost Card (s) to dependent Polyclinics/Station
Headquarters along with the following :-
(a) An Affidavit on Rs 10/-Non-Judicial Stamp paper duly notorised as per sample
attached as Appx ‘C’.
(b) Demand draft in favour of ECHS Regional Centre towards the cost of duplicate Smart
Card (s) @ Rs 90/- per Card.

(c) Photocopy of lost card (s) if held.
(d) Fresh application Form duly filled in and photographs affixed of all beneficiaries.
(e) A certificate from parent Polyclinic containing the following details:-
(i) Details of Chronic diseases/allergy.
(ii) Details of equipments issued (like hearing aid).
(iii)
Details of surgery carried out (if any).
6. Availing Treatment during Loss of Smart Card (s). On submission of an application for
issue of a Smart Card a receipt will be issued by Station Headquarters and this would be the authority
for seeking treatment from an ECHS Polyclinic.
7. The letters under reference at Para 1 (a) to (k) are hereby superseded.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
Authority: Central Org letter No:B/49711 /AG/ECHS dt 15 Apr 2008

ECHS HELPLINE
1. Refer Integrated Headquarters of MoD (Army) letter No B/49701-Policy/AG/ECHS dated 20 Jun
2006.
2. On dirns of COSC, it was directed vide letter under ref to create helplines for ESM on ECHS
matters at all stations. It was also confirmed that the action has been completed.
3. However it has been observed that the helplines are not doing their job efficiently resulting in
inconvenience to the ESM. As a result ESM are contacting IHQ of MoD (Army) directly even for minor
issues. Some stations have even given the telephone Nos of appointments at IHQ of MoD (Army) as
helpline Nos.
4. All policies and procedures of ECHS have been disseminated to the environment. All changes
whenever made are also communicated in time. It is once again reiterated that the helplines so
created be manned by competent staff who are well versed with ECHS matters and can provide
satisfactory answers to the queries of ESM.
5. HQ Commands are once again requested to confirm that :-
(a)
ECHS helplines for ESM have been est at all stations.
(b) Telephone Nos of Appts at IHQ of MoD (Army) are not given as helpline Nos for routine
inquiries but only on demand by the ECHS members where such clarification is required only
from IHQ of MoD (Army).
Authority : Central Org Letter No:B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 09 Apr 2008
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS

TIMING OF ECHS IN NCR DELHI
1. Ref ECHS Cell, Stn HQ Delhi Cantt letter No 216/HDC/ECHS dated 11 Mar 08.
2. The working hours for all staff will be eight hours per day excluding Medical
Specialist/Gynecologist for whom it will be five hours per day. Lunch break us excluded form
working hours for all staff. In this connection yout attn is drawn to this HQ letter No
B/49760/AG./ECHs® dated 15 Jun 2007.
3. You are requested to confirm.
Lt Col
Offg Jt Dir (Pers)
For MD ECHS

AMENDMENT TO SAMPLE OF AFFIDAVIT WITH APPLICATION
FOR ECHS MEMBERSHIP
1. Refer to page 11 of simplified application form for ECHS membership.
2. The following may please be added in page No 11 of application form:-
Add Para 12 as under
I understand that the contribution I am making is a one time token amount and is nonrefundable
even if I do not make use of any ECHS facilities.
Authority: Central Org letter No: B/49701-Appl/AG/ECHS dt 04 Dec 2007
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS

BEEFING UP RESOURCES FOR PROCESSING
OF ECHS APPLICATIONS
1. ECHS membership applications from Ex Servicemen who retired prior to 01 Apr 2003 are
processed by respective Station Headquarters. The scheme is gradually expanding and the No of
applications being recd are on the rise. Medical treatment to Non-ECHS members at Service
Hospitals will not be available after 31 Mar 2008. Supreme Court Judgement exempting pre 01 Jan
1996 retirees from paying contribution to join ECHS is also being implemented. Therefore considering
the above the No of applications is likely to further increase in the near future.
2. In order to overcome the problem, the resources at Stn HQ for the purpose need to be beefed
up for the next 6 to 8 months wherever required. Therefore necessary instructions may please be
given to all concerned.
Brig
Dy MD
for MD ECHS
Authority:- Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt08Oct 2007

ELIGIBILITY OF DEPENDENT SON (S)
1. Please refer to the following:-
(a) Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dated 16 Apr 2007.
(b) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare Office Memorandum No 4-24/96-
C&P/CGHS/CGHS (P) dated 31 May 2007.
2. The restriction on upper age limit of dependent son (s) was removed based on the stay granted
by Hon’ble Delhi High Court in Civil Miscellaneous Petition No 115/97 and Civil Writ Petition No 2542
of 1996. The same has now been lifted by Delhi High Court and the Civil Writ Petition stands
dismissed.
3. Consequent to receipt of Office Memorandum from Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, it
has been decided to re-fix the age limit of dependent son (s) as following:-
“ Till he starts earning or attaining the age of 25 years whichever is earlier.”
4. The other conditions of dependency and normally residing with the ESM pensioner will remain
the same.
5. Please treat paragraph 3 of our ibid letter at paragraph 1 (a) as cancelled.
Auth:-Central org letter No:B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS 21 Aug 2007
Brig
Dy MD
for MD ECHS

TERMS AND CONDITION FOR CONTRACTUAL
STAFF AT POLYCLINICS
1. Ref Govt of India, Mod letter No 24(6)/03/US(WE) Res) dt 22 sep 03 fwd vide out letter No
B/49760/AG/ECHS dt 14 Oct 03.
2. It will be ensured that all OIC Polyclinic and Doctors have a personal telephone (preferably a
mobile) where the indl can be contacted during off polyclinic timing.
3. All medical offers and para-medical staff at the polyclinic will wear white coats with a name
plate on the night side of the shirt during working hours.
4. The working hours for all staff will be eight hours per day excluding Medical
specialist/Gynecologist for whom it will be five fours per day. Lunch break is excluded from working
hours for all staff.
Col
Dir (Ops and Coord)

TERMS AND CONDITION FOR CONTRACTUAL
STAFF AT POLYCLINICS
1. Further to this Organisation letter of even reference dated 15 Jun 07.
2. It is to ensured that all eligible polyclinic staff liable to pay income Tax are in possession of
Permanent Account Number (PAN Card).
3. This must also be ensured for all further employment of contracted staff for ECHS Polyclinics.
Wing Commander
Jt Dir (P&FC)
For Managing Director

TIMINGS OF ECHS POLYCLINICS
1. Ref our letter No B/49711-OPD/AG/ECHS dt 20 Jul 05.
2. Broad guidelines for timings of ECHS Polyclinics have been laid in the referred letter. It is
reiterated that OPD registration in all polyclinics be stopped at 1430h daily. This would enable
referrals to be generated upto 1500h. Thereafter the polyclinic would have one hour (i.e from 1500h to
1600h) dedicated for its interior economy which includes data entry and processing of reimbursement
bills submitted by hospitals and individuals. However all emergency cases will be handled till 1600h or
till the polyclinic closes, whichever is later.
3. The timings are reqd to be strictly followed for local patients. At the same time due
consideration should be given to patients, who have come from far distance and be attended to
accordingly.
4. All concerned under your command may please be instructed to incorporate the above with
immediate effect. The timings should be prominently displayed at each polyclinic.
Authority:Central Oog, ECHS letter No B/49760/AG/ECHS(R) dt 04 Jun 2007
Brig
Dy MD
for MD ECHS

POLICY ON ISSUE OF DUPLICATE SMART CARD(S)
1. Further to Central Organisation, ECHS letter No. B/49711/AG/ECHS-1 dated 10
Jan 2005.
2. Submission of photocopy of the ECHS Smart Card alongwith application for issue of Duplicate
Card henceforth will not be a must though it will still be desirable for speedy issue of duplicate Smart
Cards. However the applicant should give details of old lost cards for early processing. If he cannot
provide the details he be told that issue of New Smart Cards will take longer time.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD
Auth : B/49711/AG/ECHS/Policy dated 20 Apr 2007

POLICY FOR REDRESSAL OF GRIEVANCES
1. Central Organisation ECHS is receiving various suggestions/queries/complaints directly from
Armed Forces Veterans/ Ex-Servicemen Leagues/ Associations etc. The complaints are eventually
being investigated by the concerned Station HQs/Regional Centres and Command HQs. This at times
results in time consuming and non obligatory involvement of higher HQ whereas the same could be
addressed/resolved at Stn HQ itself. It also results in delay in resolving the issues.
2. To obviate the avoidable delay and speedy clearance of the issues, it is suggested that a wide
publicity be given to the Armed Forces Veteren and various Ex-Services Leagues/ Association that
all suggestions/queries/complaints be directly addressed to concerned Station HQ/Regional Centre for
resolving the issues. Matters pertaining to policies could be referred to Central Organisation ECHS
directly.
3. This may please be given wide publicity.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS
Authority:- Central Org ECHS Letter No : B/49717-C/AG/ECHS dt 18 Apr 2007

ELIGIBILITY OF DEPENDENT SON (S)
1. Reference Central Organisation ECHS letter Nos:-
(a) B/49701-PR//AG/ECHS dated 01 Jun 2006.
(b) B/49764/AG/ECHS/R dated 15 Feb 2005.
2. Amendments in eligibility conditions for dependent son (s) stipulated vide our letters under
reference is further amplified as given in the succeeding paragraphs.
3. ECHS Membership For Dependent Son(s). Existing Para 3(d) of this HQ letter mentioned
at Para 1(a) above may please be deleted and substituted by the following:-
“Unemployed and wholly dependent son is permitted to be included as dependent. Details
must be included in the service record of the pensioner. However, to avail the medical facilities
beyond the age of 25 years the ESM pensioner/family pensioner will annually certify the
dependency of his/her son through an ‘Affidavit’ on attaining the age of 25 years. This implies
that a wholly dependent son is permitted to avail medical facilities irrespective of age provided
that ESM pensioner certifies his dependency annually commencing from the age of 25 years”.
4. Removal of Age For Onset of Disability. It is clarified that there is no age restriction for
onset of permanent disability in a dependent child.
5. The above may please be given wide publicity.
Brig
Dy MD
For MD ECHS
Authority: Central Org ECHS, Army HQ letter:B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 16 Apr 2007

CLARIFICATION ON TERM ‘FAMILY’ FOR ENROLMENT INTO ECHS
1. Further to this HQ letter of even number dated 01 Jun 2006.
2. Mentally/Handicapped Children are permitted to be member of ECHS for life. Eligibility
conditions for grant of ECHS membership in respect of such children have been stipulated vide Para
3(e) (i) to (iii) of our letter under reference. However, few ESM are finding it difficult to get the disability
certified by a Service Classified Specialist especially those who retired prior to inception of ECHS.
3. Keeping in view of above, it has been decided that certificate with regard to permanent
disability of a child issued by Civil Surgeon would also be acceptable provided that such certificate
clearly indicates the percentage of disability and child’s inability to earn his livelihood. Hence, the
following amendments may please be made to Para 3(e) (ii) of our letter under reference:-
(a) For “Permanent disability should be certified by Service Classified Specialist as per
format of certificate enclosed at
Appendix”.
Read
“Permanent disability should be certified by Service Classified Specialist/Civil
Surgeon as per format of certificate enclosed at Appendix duly indicating
percentage of disability and the child’s inability to earn his livelihood”. A copy of
certificate of Disability to be produced from Civil Surgeon is enclosed.
4. The remaining conditions on the subject will remain unchanged.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
For MD ECHS
Authority: Central Org ECHS, Army HQ letter B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 05 Apr 2007

CLARIFICATION ON TERM ‘FAMILY’ FOR ENROLMENT INTO ECHS
1. Further to this HQ letter of even number dated 01 Jun 2006.
2. Mentally/Handicapped Children are permitted to be member of ECHS for life. Eligibility
conditions for grant of ECHS membership in respect of such children have been stipulated vide Para
3(e) (i) to (iii) of our letter under reference. However, few ESM are finding it difficult to get the disability
certified by a Service Classified Specialist especially those who retired prior to inception of ECHS.
3. Keeping in view of above, it has been decided that certificate with regard to permanent
disability of a child issued by Civil Surgeon would also be acceptable provided that such certificate
clearly indicates the percentage of disability and child’s inability to earn his livelihood. Hence, the
following amendments may please be made to Para 3(e) (ii) of our letter under reference:-
(a) For “Permanent disability should be certified by Service Classified Specialist as per
format of certificate enclosed at
Appendix”.
Read
“Permanent disability should be certified by Service Classified Specialist/Civil
Surgeon as per format of certificate enclosed at Appendix duly indicating
percentage of disability and the child’s inability to earn his livelihood”. A copy of
certificate of Disability to be produced from Civil Surgeon is enclosed.
4. The remaining conditions on the subject will remain unchanged.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
For MD ECHS
Authority: Central Org ECHS, Army HQ letter B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 05 Apr 2007

CHANGE OF PARENT POLYCLINIC: ALL INDIA
1. Please refer to our letter Nos B/49705-NCR/AG/ECHS dt 27 May 2005 and B/49711-
SC/AG/ECHS dt 03 Jan 2006.
2. It has been represented by a number of ECHS members that the procedure for seeking change
of address and parent polyclinic stipulated vide our letter under reference is time consuming and
inconvenient.
3. Keeping in view the convenience of ECHS members, with immediate the procedure
enumerated in succeeding paragraphs will be followed.
4. The members is to submit th following to nearest Stn HQs for change of Parent Polyclinic:-
(a)
An application on plain paper clearly giving following details:-
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Old ECHS Regn Number.
Old Address.
Old Parent Polyclinic.
New Address.
New Parent Polyclinic.
(a)
An undertaking on a separate plain paper stating that:-
(i)
No information has been concealed or suppressed.
(ii) Any false information submitted will make him liable for termination of his ECHS
membership.
(b)
Proof of new address like electricity/telephone/water bills/RWA certificate etc.
(c) A fresh ECHS application form with relevant columns filled and super scribed “CHANGE
OF ADDRESS” and “CHANGE OF PARENT POLYCLINIC”.
(d)
(e)
Return the old cards duly defaced.
Deposit DD on the name of concerned Regional Centre @ Rs. 90/-per card requested.
5. Station HQs will receive the application form and provide “Receipt of Documents duly affixed
photographs” which will be valid for 60 days and thereafter to be revalidated if ECHS Smart Cards are
not received. ECHS member should personally collect the cards from Stn HQ after 60 days of
submission of application.

6. Station HQ will place the demand to SITL through concerned Regional Centre ECHS for remanufacturing
of Smart Cards as per request of the member. SITL will issue fresh cards duly
indicating new address and new parent polyclinic. SITL will also maintain details of old address and
old parent polyclinic in their data base.
7. Instructions issued vide our letters mentioned at Para 1 above are hereby superseded. The
above may please be given wide publicity.
Col
Dir(Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS
Authority: Central Org ECHS, Army HQ letter B/49711 /AG/ECHS dt 26 Mar 2007

TREATMENT OF SENIOR CITIZENS
1. All members of ECHS are retd members and very soon will become senior citizens. However
at the same time, some old and sick people need to be given priority at ECHS Polyclinics.
2. It has been decided that in future patients above 75 yrs of age, will be treated as senior
citizens in the ECHS Polyclinics and will be given priority. The senior citizens will be attended out of
turn at reception, examination by doctors and issue of medicines.
3. You are requested to pass suitable instructions to all concerned.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS
Authority: Central Org ECHS, Army HQ letter No B/49701/AG/ECHS dt 15 Mar 2007

Subject :
Agreement between contractually Engaged Person and Station
Commander for rendering services in ECSH Polyclinics
Sir ,
1. I am directed to refer to Government of India, Ministry of Defences letter No
24(8/03/US(WE/D(Res) dated 22 nd September, 2003 and to convey the sanction of the
Government to the adoption of a standard agreement form to be followed executed while
appointing ECHS Polyclinic staff. The copy of the standard agreement form is placed as appendix
to this letter.
2. This issue with the approval of Ministry of Law & Justice vide their Dy . No. 1858/A/A dated
03.05.2006 and Defence (Finance vide their U.O No 552/PD/06 dated 30.05.2006
Your faithfully,
Copy to :-
Sd/-xxxxxxxxxxx
(V.K. JAIN)
Under Secretary to the Govt of India
1. CGDA, New Delhi
2. SO to Defence Secretary
3. PPS to Secretary (Defence/Finance)
4. PPs to As (Acquisition)
5. PPS to As(T) /PPS to AS (I)
6. Addl FA(B) /Addl FA(V)
7. JS (ESW)
8. JS(O/N)
9. Dir (Finance/AG)
10. Dir (Fin/AG)
11. Defence (Finance/AG/PD)
12. DFA (B)/DFA (Air Force)
13. AFA (B-1)
14. D (Works /D /(Mov)/ D (Med)
15. O & M Unit
Also to :
16. DGAFMS
17. DGDE, New Delhi
18. DG DC & W
19. QMG
20. DGMS
21. DGMS (Air Force)
22. DGMS (NAvy)
23. AOA

24. DESA
25. MD Central Orginasation ECHS
26. ADG C & W
27. DG (Works). E-in-C Branch
28. ADG (FP)
29. All Command Headquarters
30 AG’s Branch /CW-3
31. Naval Headquarters (PS) Dte)
32. Air Headquarters
Copy signed in ink :
33. CDA (Army), Bangalore
34. CDA (WC) , Chandigarh
35. CDA (Army), Patna
36. CDA (SC), Pune
37. CDA (Army) Merrut
38. CDA (NC), Jammu
39. CDA ((Officers), Pune
40. CDA (Navy), Mumbai
41. CDA (AF) Dehradun
42. CDA (Army), Jabalpur
43. CDA (Army), Secunderabad
44. CDA (Army), Lucknow
45. CDA (Army), Chennai
46. CDA (Army), Kolkata
47. CDA (AF), Delhi
48. CDA (Army), Guwahati
49. CDA (Army), Pune
50. CDA (Army), Mumbai
51. CDA (Army), Dehradun

AGREEMENT
BNETWEEN CONTRACTUALLY ENGAGED PERSON AND STATION COMMANDER FOR
RENDERING SERVICES TO ECHS POLYCLINICS
This AGREEMENT made at ________________________ (Place) on this _________
(date) day of ____________________(Month) _____________(Year) Between the President of
India acting through Station Commander _______________(Place with full address if no security
Risk) for the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Adjutant General’s Branch.
Army Headquarters, Maude Line , Delhi Cantt- 110010, hereinafter called the ECHs, of the ONE
PART and Dr/Shri/Smt _____________________ (Name of the Engaged Person)
Son/daughter/wife of ______________ resident of ________________________________(give
address), hereafter called the “Engaged Person” of the Other Part. When the Engaged is a
female the expression he, him and his shall be read as she and her.
(A) The ECHS is engaged in providing comprehensive medical care to Ex-Servicemen
Pensioners and their aurhorised dependents and is having its Polyclinic at _____________
(place)
(B) The ECHS intends to hire services of a _________________________ (designation or
nature of work) for its Polyclinic at __________________(place) on on contractual basis for a
period of 12 months and for that purpose had advertised the requirement in the leading
_____________ (National/Local) newspapers and after interviewing all the eligible and/or short
listed applicants, has found Dr/Shri/Smt ______________________, Engaged Person suitable for
performing duties of __________________________(designation or nature of work).
NOW THIS AGREEMENT WITNESSETH AS FOLLOWS :-
1. The ECHS hires the professional services of Dr/Shri/Smt _______________________, the
Engaged Persons, as the ________________________(designation or nature of work) for its
Polyclinic at _________________________(Place) and Dr/Shri/Smt
_______________________, (Name of Engaged pers has agreed to provide his professional
services in that capacity in the above mentioned Polyclinic for a period of 12 months from the date
he/she joins duties.
2. The engagement of the Engaged Person for rendering his/her professional services shall
be entirely contractual in nature and will be for a period of 12 months initially and thereafter
renewable for 12 months at a time upto and subject to attaining the maximum age prescribed
indicated in Appendix A to Government of India, Ministry of Defence letter No
24(6)/03/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 22 Sep 2003 or as amended from time to time. The renewal of
contract will be subject to continued good conduct and performance of the Engaged Person during
the proceeding 12 months and existence of the retirement for services of the Engaged Person at
the ECHS Polyclinic. Afresh contract will be executed for each renewal.
3. The Enganged Person will be paid the total consideration for his services in the form of a
consolidated (Compensation of Rs _____________ (amount) per month and no other financial
gain. Assistance, facilities, perks, allowance, non practicing allowance etc, will be admissible to
him/her . The said Engaged Person hired on contractual basis will no be entitled for any gratuity or
terminal benefits whatsoever.

4. The payment of consideration shall be made by ECHs to the Engaged Person upto the
__________ day of each succeeding month.
5. The Engaged Person will devote full time of tenure of his/her duty, skill and attention to
promote the interests of the ECHs. He/she shall be bound to work for 48/30 hours a week and
adhere to the timings, working hours and other discipline of the Polyclinic as laid down by the
station Commander. In addition., the Engaged Person shall promptly attend to any emergency
duty outside ordinary working hours when ‘on call at his/her residence.
6. During his/her tenure of Contractual engagement with ECHS Polyclinic the Engaged
Person shall NOT have any association or dealing, direct or indirect, in any matter with any ECHS
empanelled Hospitals/Nursing Home/Diagnostic Centre and supplies of goods or services or
facilities etc.
7. During the period or contract, the Engaged person shall not engage in my private (Medical)
practice or professional consultation during working hours on working days.
8. The engaged Person will be eligible for a leave of absence upto 10 days with full
consideration as per clause 3 above on completion of his/her tenure of contractual engagement
for services of 12 month with prior written sanction of the same by the Station Commander for
ECHS. Pro rate deduction in total monthly consideration shall be made for any excessive absence
with prior notice/approval. Services of the Engaged Person may be terminated by the appointing
authority, in case the leave period exceeds of days.
9. If the Engaged Person shall at any time be in-capacitated by illness or accident arising out
of any act, default, negligence on the part of Engaged Person or other unavailable causes from
efficiently performing his/her duties pursuant to this Agreement his/her monthly consideration on
pro rata basis shall not be payable during the time of such incapacity or absence from duty.
10. The Enganged Person shall always perform duties under the directions and supervision of
the Station Commander acting through the Officer-in-Charge Polyclinic and he/she will carry out
the assignment and duties as detailed in the charter of duties issued with this agreement and any
other duties associated with his/her profession as may be entrusted to his/her by the Station
Commander or by the other Officer-in-Charge Polyclinic from time to time.
11. The ECHS shall have the right to terminate this agreement by giving one month’s notice to
Engaged Person or one month’s consideration as compensation in Lieu there of without prejudice
to the generality of the right of termination may be on any of the following grounds for which as
opportunity to show cause will be afforded to him/her.
(a) Profession incompetence or misconduct or an act of moral turpitude.
(b) Unsatisfactory performance of duty.
(c) Arrest or conviction by a court of law for any offence.
(d) Any net prejudicial to security or interest of the Organisation (ECHS).
(e) Absence of leave beyond 60 days.
(f) Prolonged or habitual absence from duty prior permission of the competent
authority including prolonged absence due to medical illness.
(g) Inadequate work load .
(h) Breach/violation of any provision of this agreement by Engaged persons .
(i) Any other ground warranting his/her removal from the contractual arrangement .

12. The Engaged person will also have the right to terminate this agreement before the expiry
of tenure of contractual appointment by giving one month’s notice or by foregoing one month’s
contractual amount as consideration fir engagement of services.
13. The Engaged person will conduct himself/herself in a professional manner with highest
ethical. Moral and financial standards. The Engaged person shall handle all equipment
instruments, machinery , tools and other assets with adequate professional care and condition
and shall be responsible for any loss caused by lack of care, negligence or recklessness on his
part and will not indulge in any malpractices, unethical practice, and financial misappropriation,
misuse of organization’s property or administrative irresponsibility.
14. The Engaged person declares and acknowledges that this agreement does not amount to
employment with the ECHS or the Army,Navy,Air force or Govt of India nor confer any right on the
Engaged person nor any representation or obligation on ECHS or the Army,Navy air force or Govt
of India as to possibility or performance in equipment or any farther engagement in ECHS or
elsewhere at any time in future.
15. The engaged person shall indemnify ECHS all third party claims or proceeding in respect
of his professional negligence, misconduct or deficiency in service.
IN WITNESS whereof the parties aforementioned have executed this agreement on this
they are year first above mentioned.
WITNESS
1. __________________ _______________________
(Signature )
Signed by Station Commander
_______________________
as authorised official for ECHS
For and on behalf of
The President of India
2. __________________ Address __________________
________________________
_________________________
(Name and address of Witness No 1 & 2)
1.__________________________
________________________
(Signature)
Singed by the within named
2.__________________________
Engaged Person
___________________________
Shri/Smt ________________
___________________________
Address ________________
__________________________
(Name and address of witness No. 1 & 2)

WHEREAS the ECHS entred into an Agreement dated …………………… with the Engaged
Person (hereinafter called Principal Agreement) for availing the services of the Engaged Person
as …………………….. from ………………………….. to ………………………… with a provsonof
renewal.
AND WHEREAS the Parties are desirous to renew the Principal Agreement for another
period of 12 months.
Now, this Agreement witnesses :-
That the parties hereby renew the Principal Agreement for a period of 12 months with effect
from ……………………….. to ……………….. with the same terms and condition as mentioned
there in except the following :-
_______________________
_______________________
_______________________
Provided that any services actually provided from the date of expiry of the Principal
Agreement to the date of singing of this Agreement shall be deemed to have been rendered
under this Agreement.
WITNESS
1. __________________ _______________________
(Signature )
Signed by Station Commander
_______________________
as authorised official for ECHS
For and on behalf of
The President of India
2. __________________ Address __________________
________________________
_________________________
(Name and address of Witness No 1 & 2)
1.__________________________
________________________
(Signature)
Singed by the within named
2.__________________________
Engaged Person
___________________________
Shri/Smt ________________
___________________________
Address ________________
__________________________
(Name and address of Witness No 1 & 2)

ECHS MEMBERSHIP TO RESERVISTS
1. The frequent requests from Reservists to permit ECHS membership has necessitated a
review of the eligibility criteria. The following has emerged during the review:-
(a) Some Reservists irrespective of colour service are now in receipt of Rs. 1275/- PM
as pension.
(b)
Families of deceased Reservists are in receipt of family pension.
2. The eligibility criteria for ECHS membership stipulates that the twin criteria of being an ESM
and should be in receipt of pension / family pension from Armed Forces sources should be met.
Therefore Reservists who are ESM and in receipt of pension/Family Pension meet the above
criteria.
3. In view of the above, it is directed that Reservists who are drawing pension including family
pension are permitted to join the Scheme. However Reservists who opted for ex-gratia payment
are not eligible.
4. It is requested that necessary instructions may place be issued for immediate
implementation.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-Reservist/AG/ECHS dt 02 Jun 2006.

CHANGE OF PARENT POLYCLINIC: ALL INDIA EXCEPT NCR
1. The concept of Parent Polyclinic for ESM has been introduced, so as to collate a database
and cater to a known ESM load at the ECHS Polyclinic. This will ensure better and more efficient
OPD facilities. However, due to various reasons, ESM may require to change their
address/polyclinic dependency. The procedure for change in Delhi/NCR has already been laid
down vide this office letter of even number dated 27 May 05. The procedure for change of
address/polyclinic dependency for the rest of the country is enumerated in succeeding
paragraphs.
2. The member is to submit the following to Stn HQs nearest to the new address:-
(a)
An application on plain paper giving reasons for change.
(b) A fresh application form with relevant columns filled and superscribed ‘CHANGE OF
ADRESS’ on top.
(c)
(d)
(e)
Affidavit as per format endorsed on Rs. 10 non judicial stamp paper duly notarized.
Enclose the old cards duly cut into 2 pieces.
Deposit Cash/DD @ Rs. 90/- per card requested.
3. Station HQs are to scrutinize the form and give a photo receipt to the member which will be
valid for 60 days.
4. SITL (Vendor) will carry out necessary amendments to the records and issue fresh cards
within the laid down period.
5. The procedure for utilizing ECHS facilities at polyclinics other than parent polyclinics will be
as follows:-
(a)
Members will be handled in OPD and given medicine for 07 days at a time.
(b) Referral to an empanelled facility will be authorized for an emergency/essential along
with its related treatment.
(c) Medical equipment authorized for home use will only be sanctioned by parent
polyclinics.
6. It is requested that the procedure outlined above may please be accorded wide publicity
and implemented with immediate effect.
Authority-Central org letter no- B/49711-SC/AG/ECHS dt 03Jan 2006
Lt Gen (Retd)
MD ECHS

POLYCLINIC DEPENDENCY IN DELHI AND NCR
1. The ECHS Polyclinics were located after due deliberations and taking into account the
resident load of ESM in a particulars area so that best medicare could be provided. However, the
policlinics in Delhi and NCR, inspite of having six polyclinics in close vicinity, are experiencing an
unequal and varying load, which has resulted in the following:-
(a) Increased waiting time due to overloading in some polyclinics and underutilization of
other of others.
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
Non availability of medicines due to in correct dependency load.
Inability to correctly forecast medicine requirement.
Multiple utilization of polyclinics for the same ailment.
Drawl of medicines from more than one polyclinic.
2. In order to enable, near accurate dependency data for ensuring a more efficient medicare
for the ESM, it has been decided to restrict OPD treatment for ECHS members at only one of the
polyclinics, designated as the ‘parent polyclinic’ in Delhi and NCR. The geographical boundaries
of polyclinics in Delhi and NCR will be as follows:-
(a)
Base Hospital Polyclinic
(i)
All areas West of River Yamuna up to Raj Ghat.
(ii) All areas North of road joining Dayal Chowk to Raj Ghat (Along –Link
Road,Desh Bandhu Gupta Road,Ajmeri Gate,Jawaher Lal Nehru Marg,Delhi Gate
and joining Raj Ghat ).
(iii) All areas North & West of Ridge Road up to Dhaula Kuan and NH8 up to
Delhi-Haryana border towards Gurgaon.
(iv) In addition all outstation patients referred to Delhi will first be attended to at
this polyclinic.
(v)
See marked map attached.
(b)
Lodhi Road Polyclinic
(i) All areas East of Yamuna upto and along UP Border upto trijunction of Delhi-
Haryana-UP border.
(ii) All areas South and East of Raj Ghat along the Jawahar Lal Nehru
Marg, Desh Bandhu Gupta Road up to Dayal Chowk and along Ridge Road up to
Dhaula Kuan, thereafter along NH8 up to Haryana- Delhi border towards Gurgaon.
(iii) The Southern limit is the Delhi-Haryana Border in the South West and
trijunction of Delhi-Haryana UP Border in South East.

(c) Noida. All areas East of UP-Delhi Border and South of NH-24 (Hapur Bypass) up
to Haryana-UP Border in the South West including Greater NOIDA.
(d) Gurgaon. All areas South and West of Delhi-Haryana Border on NH-8 towards
Gurgaon. The entire district of Gurgaon is included.
(e) Faridabad. All areas South of Delhi-Haryana Border and West of Haryana UP
Border.
(f) Hindon. All areas East and North of the UP-Delhi Border and out of Delhi up to
NH-24 (Hapur Bypass). These areas fall in the Ghaziabad District.
3. All new ECHS members are being issued Cards with parent polyclinic endorsed. All existing
members having old cards on which this is not endorsed, will be entertained in accordance with
the geographical limits laid out above. The above change is relevant only to Delhi and NCR. In the
rest of the Country, members will continue to be entertained at all ECHS Polyclinics with
restriction of medicine being provided only for 07 days at a time.
4. Ten large scale laminated maps of Delhi and its environs have been put up at the six
polyclinics and locations frequented by ESM for their convenience.
Authority-Central org letter no-B/49711/AG/ECHS dt30 dec 2005
sd-x x x x x
(VK Dua)
Lt Gen (Retd)
MD ECHS

POLICY ON AVAILING ECHS FACILITIES BY ESM PENSIONERS ON JOINING DSC
1. ESM pensioners of the Armed Forces who retired on or after 01 Apr 2003 are compulsory
ECHS members. Similarly, ESM pensioners who had retired before 31 Mar 2003 are permitted to
join ECHS on voluntary basis.
2. It has come to notice that ESM pensioners who have joined DSC after retirement from
Armed Forces and have become ECHS members either by virtue of compulsory membership or
on a voluntary basis, have been using ECHS facilities in addition to all medical facilities authorised
to a serving person. This is now permitted. DSC personnel while in service, irrespective of the
fact of grant of ECHS membership to them.
3. In view of the above, it has been decided that with immediate effect the following
procedure will be adopted by DSC Records for streamlining the ECHS membership in respect of
ESM pensioners who are now serving as DSC personnel.
(a) ESM Pensioners Who Have Retired On or After 01 Apr 2003. ESM pensioners of
Armed Forces who have retired from Armed Forces on or after 01 Apr 2003 are compulsory
ECHS members and are in possession of ECHS Smart Cards. DSC Records will retrieve
ECHS Smart Cards of such Ex-Servicemen and will dispatch the same by courier to
Central Organisation ECHS for cancellation of their membership. These personnel will
apply for fresh ECHS membership three months prior to their discharge from DSC Service.
(b) ESM Pensioners Who Have Retired On or Before 31 Mar 2003. ESM
pensioners of Armed Forces who have retired from Armed Forces on or before 31 Mar
2003 are permitted to join ECHS on a voluntary basis. However, these ESM pensioners are
also NOT permitted to utilize medical facilities of two Govt Schemes simultaneously ie
Service Hospital facilities and ECHS facilities. DSC Records would ascertain details of
persons who are ESM pensioners and are serving in DSC and have joined ECHS and
would recover ECHS Smart Cards from them. Smart Card colleted from such DSC
persons would be forwarded to Central Organisation ECHS for cancellation. These
persons will also apply afresh for grant of ECHS membership without making fresh ECHS
Contribution six months prior to their discharge from DSC Service.
4. DSC Records is also requested to forward full particulars to include No, Rank, Name,
Home Address and Arm/Service to which originally the individual belongs, in respect of all ESM
Pensioners who have joined DSC after retirement from Armed Forces.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49708-R/AG/ECHS dt 25 Aug 2005.

OPD REGISTRATION AT POLYCLINIC
1. The MIS Software for ECHS connectivity has been implemented successfully in Delhi NCR
as a pilot project. It is now being set up at all Station HQs, Regional Centres and polyclinics.
However, for the system to be successful, data entry (OPD, Referrals, Processing Bills etc) at each
level is a mandatory requirement. During the setting up in Delhi NCR, it was observed that data
entry at Polyclinics could not be done as the patients kept trickling in upto 1600hrss the official
working hours, preventing any time for data entry.
2. A work study carried out has indicated that 1 hour is needed everyday for data entry in
Polyclinics with medium to heavy load. Therefore to enable dedicated data entry, there is
requirement to rework the timings for OPD registration at Polyclinics.
3. In view of the above it ie requested that the OPD registration in all polyclinic be stopped at
1430h daily, This would enable referrals to be generated upto 1500h. Thereafter the Polyclinic
would have one hour (i.c from 15oo h to 1600h) dedicated for data entry. All emergency cases will
be handled till 1600 or till the Polyclinic closes, whichever is later.
4. All units under your command may please be instructed to incorporate the above with
immediate effect. In addition the timings could be prominently displayed at each Polyclinic.
Sd/-xxxxxxxxxxxxx
(VK Dua)
Lt Gen (Retd)
MD ECHS

VERIFICATION OF DEPENDENTS OF OLD RETIREES (PRIOR 01 APR 2003)
1. Further to our letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dated 30 April 2005.
2. It has been realized that policy issued vide our ibid letter has NOT been taken in correct
spirit and few persons are taking undue advantage for instance, a case has been reported than an
ESM pensioner showed his dependant parents as per the policy quoted in the ibid letter and
availed facilities for his points on the basing ECHS Application receipt issued by Stn HQ. However,
on verification by the Regional Centre ECHS from the concerned Record Office, it was revealed
that the applicants parents names were not existing in his record of service which is an attempt of
falsification of documents. Necessary action is being taken against the ESM pensioner.
3. In view of the above our letter reference may please be treated as cancelled.
4. Hence forth NO repeat NO ECHS Application will be accepted without verification/Part II
Order dependents from respective Service Headquarters (Army HQ(MP5/6, MPRS(O)),
NHQ(PDOP), Air HQ (DPS) for Officers and Record offices/CABS/AFRO for PBOR for
verification.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 28 Jun 2005.

ADDITION/DELETION OF NAMES OF MEMBERS/DEPENDENTS FOR ECHS
1. The issue of addition/deletion of dependants of an ESM and management of ECHS Smart
Cards has been addressed adequately, however it is seen that the implementation of the
guidelines has been subject to different interpretations. In order to prevent any ambiguity,
amplifications on the above are enumerated in succeeding paragraphs.
2. Addition of Dependent A newly born child/parents becoming dependant on the ECHS
member subsequent to retirement, will require the member to submit a Part II order published by
the respective Record Office. In the case of divorced/widowed daughter becoming dependant on
the ECHS member, the divorce paper or death certificate respectively will have to be submitted.
In all these cases the ESM has to submit a fresh application along with the documents and master
card for issue of new cards.
3. Deletion of dependent In the event, wherein the ECHS member dies, his/her spouse
can continue to the use the Master card, however the option lies with the spouse to get a new card
made by filling up a fresh application form in order to get a smart card on his/her name. However
in the case of demise of dependant the deletion can be made at any polyclinic, but if an add on
card has been issued to that dependent, it will have to be returned to the Stn HQ from where the
card was initially issued for cancellation.
4. Deletion of Ineligible Members. Deletions can be done at the Polyclinic level itself. Sons
above 25 years of age will be automatically deleted from dependency. Married/employed daughter
is to be intimated by the member to the polyclinic.
5. It is requested that the contents of this letter be disseminated to the environment.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701/AG/ECHS dt 09 Mar 2005.

ELIGIBILITY FOR JOINING ECHS: OFFICER CADETS
1. Refer to our letter No B/49708-RECT/AG/ECHS dated 11 Jan 05 in which eligibility for
joining ECHS in r/o recruits earning disability pension has been issued.
2. Regarding the officer cadets, who get injured during training and are boarded out on
medical grounds, it is clarified that they are only given a disability award and not disability pension.
This is because his service during training period is not counted for pension purposes and
therefore he is not eligible for the status of Ex-serviceman.
3. Keeping the above in view it is ruled that such officer cadets are NOT eligible for ECHS.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS DO letter No B/49708-RECT/AG/ECHS dt 16 Feb 2005.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERION FOR ECHS MEMBERSHIP: DEPENDANT CHILD WITH PERMANENT
DISABILITY
1. ECHS caters for Medicare of all Ex-Servicemen in receipt of pension as also dependents to
include wife/husband, legitimate children upto the age of 25 years and wholly dependent
parents. In addition, unmarried / unemployed / divorced / widowed daughters and permanently
disabled sons who are dependent on the member are entitled benefit of membership.
2. The criteria for granting eligibility on the basis of permanent disability are as under :-
(a)
Onset of disability should be prior to attainment of 25 years of age.
(b) Permanent disability should be certified by Service Classified Specialist as per format
of certificate enclosed at Appendix A.
(c) The condition of disability should be mentioned in the records of pensioner and the
disabled dependent son should be eligible for family pension.
3. The following guidelines are laid down for the issue of disability certificate, as approved by
DGAFMS :-
(a)
(b)
The certificate will be issued by concerned service Classified Specialist.
Only certificates issued as per correct format (Appendix A) will be accepted.
(c) The certificate should be initiated by the Classified Specialist concerned and
thereafter recommendations of the Senior Adviser/Additional Adviser of concerned
speciality, or Senior Adviser of Allied Speciality obtained.
(d) In the event of Senior Adviser/Additional Adviser of concerned/allied Speciality not
being available locally in a Station, the Commandant/Commanding Officer of Service
Hospital will arrange to forward the certificate alongwith necessary/connected medical
documents to the concerned/allied Senior Adviser for the zone, for obtaining
recommendations and return. If the Senior Adviser desires to examine the patient, the
same will be communicated to the ECHS member for compliance under own arrangements.
(e) The certificate will be countersigned by Commandant/Commanding Officer Service
Hospital.
(f) The minimum degree of disability should be 40% in order to be eligible for any
concession/benefits under ECHS. Assessment criterion is as laid down in ‘Guide to Medical
Officers – (Military Pensions) – 2002’.

Appendix ‘A’
CERTIFICATE OF DISABILITY
(For ECHS Membership Only, to be submitted along with ECHS application form)
“THIS CERTIFICATE IS NOT VALID FOR MEDICO-LEGAL PURPOSE”
File/Ref No _________________
Name of Hospital _____________________
This is to certify that Shri _________________________________Aged_____ (years) Son of No
________________ Rank __________ Name ___________________________________(Retd)
is a case of _____________________________________________(Diagnosis)
with onset of disability at_____________ years of age.
He is physically/mentally handicapped/challenged and the disability is of a permanent nature. It is
also certified that the individual is unable to be gainfully employed/ or can have only restricted
employability status due to his disability and cannot earn his livelihood.
Affix attested
photograph
of individual.
Clinical Notes (If any)
__________________________________
(Signature/Thumb impression of individual)
_____________________________________
(Signature and Stamp of Classified Specialist)
_____________________________________
(Signature and Stamp of Senior/Addl Advisor
of Speciality/Allied Speciality)
COUNTERSIGNED
Place :
Date :
Comdt / CO
Military Hospital
Notes :
1. To be filled at Service Hospital only by concerned Classified Specialist.
2. Signature of Senior Adviser/Addl Adviser required.
3. Photograph to be attested by specialist certifying the disability.
4. In the event of Senior Adviser/Addl Adviser of concerned/allied Speciality not being available locally in
a Station, the Commandant/Commanding Officer of Service Hospital will arrange to obtain recommendation of
concerned/Allied Sr Adviser of the Zone.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS DO letter No B/49764/AG/ECHS/R dt 15 Feb 2005.

PROCEDURES FOR CONTRACTUAL EMPLOYMENT
OF STAFF FOR ECHS POLYCLINICS
1. Further to Govt of India, MOD letter No 24 (6)/03/US(WE)/D (Res) dated 22 Sep 2003.
2. The employment of the staff is entirely contractual in nature and is likely to be for a
maximum of two years subject to review of their conduct and performance after eleven months. In
view of this, there is a requirement to assess the performance of the staff after eleven months. The
criteria of assessment of staff are placed at Appx.
3. The assessment will be done based on the performance of the staff which can be assessed
in terms of ‘Satisfactory’ or ‘Non Satisfactory’. If the particular employee is ‘Satisfactory’ in all the
criteria listed in the Appx then only may he/she be employed for 11 months at a time.
4. Every employee should be given a break from employment for at least one day after every
11 months of service. The extension of service beyond two tenures of 11 months would be subject
to the following:-
(a)
(b)
(c)
Continued satisfactory conduct and performance.
Eleven month at a time.
One day’s break after every eleven months service.
5. The assessing authorities will be as under :-
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
OIC Polyclinic
(i) IO - Stn Cdr
(ii) RO - Sub Area Cdr
Medical Offrs Employed in the Polyclinics
(i) IO - SEMO
(ii) RO - Stn Cdr in consultation with OIC
Polyclinic.
Technical Staff
(i) IO - OIC Polyclinic in consultation with Medical Offrs employed in
the clinic
(ii) RO - Stn Cdr
Non Technical Staff
(i) IO - OIC Polyclinic
(ii) RO - Stn Cdr
Sd/x x x x x
(VK Dua )
Lt Gen (Retd)
MD ECHS
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS DO letter No B/49764/AG/ECHS/R dt 08 Feb 2005.

APPOINTMENT OF OIC POLYCLINIC
1. Further to our letter No B/49722/AG/ECHS dated 10 Nov 2004 and even No dated 10 Sep
2004.
2. This office is receiving many querries regarding educational qualification for appointment of
OIC Polyclinic.
3. As per Govt of India, Department of Personnel & A.R. Min of Home Affairs letter No
39016/7/78-Estt© dated 10 May 1979 the qualification of GRADUATE may not be insisted upon as
this has been relaxed in respect of those commissioned officers who passes out of NDA/IMA
before the decision was taken by Jawahar Lal Nehru University to re-cognize their qualification as
equivalent to university degree. This is further subject to the condition that the candidate was
holding regular commissioned rank in the Armed Forces for a minimum period of 5 years, the
record of military service was satisfactory and he is otherwise considered suitable for appointment
to the post by the Board of Officers.
4. In view of the above, any commissioned officer meeting the requirement stated in Para 3
above may be considered for the Post of OIC, ECHS Polyclinic. However, only retired service
officers who are drawing PENSION will be eligible for the above appointment. In this connection,
your attention is invited to Para 4(a) of our letter No B/49722/AG/ECHS dated 10 Sep 2004.
5. HQ SUB Area, Bareily Only. This disposes off your letter No 196103/ECHS/PC/A2 datd
30 Nov 2004.
Sd /-xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(OS Yadav)
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
For MD ECHS

APPT OF OCI POLYCLINIC
1. Further to this HQ letter No B/49722/AG/ECHS dated 10 Sep 2004.
2. The matter regarding tenability of appointment of OIC Polyclinic has again been deliberated
upon at length at appropriate level in conjunction with guidelines issued vide out letter under
reference and inputs received from the environment.
3. It is again reiterated that guidelines for employment/appointment os OIC Polyclinic issued
vide our letter under reference hold good except Para 4(b) which may be suitably amended as
under :-
For - “Should NOT be from AMC. Aim is to give opportunity to non med offer for post
retirement employment”
Read - “Officers from AMC (Non Technical/Non Doctor) can be employment in the ECHs
Polyclinic. However, Doctor will not, repeat NOT be employed at OIC Polyclinic . The aim is
to give some opportunity to non medical officers of all arms and services for post retirement
employment”
SD/-xxxxxxxxx
(OS Yadav)
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
For MD ECSH

VERIFICATION OF DEPENDENT
1. There have been number of queries being sought regarding the mode to be adopted to
verify the dependents of the prospective ECHS member.
2. It is a indisputable fact that Part II order/personal occurrence is the sole means to
authenticate all casualties viz, birth, marriages etc therefore this document should remain to verify
the dependents. While proceeding on discharge all the relevant entries of the retiree are recorded
on the discharge book with Part II order No. This gives the details of dependents of the pensioner,
while he was in service.
3. However, if any personal occurrence is required to be published in case where there is a
birth/marriage after the retirement of an individual, there exists a provision where in Part II Orders
are published by Record Offices even for the retired personnel. This has been again confirmed by
the Record Offices recently, on the contrary it has been observed that retired personnel do not
keep their respective Record offices posted with any such personal occurrence.
4. Keeping the a/m in view, it is directed that Part II orders should be checked for any
dependent and if details are not in discharge book then it must be authenticated by the concerned
Record office. In case no such Part II orders has been published the ESM should be advised to
get the part II order published through their Record office.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 13 Oct 2004.

APPT OF OIC POLYCLINIC
1. A doubt has arisen as to who all can apply for the post of OIC Polyclinic. It has been
observed that even AF Sgts and other PBOR are applying for the post of OIC Polyclinic.
2. It must be appreciated that the OIC Polyclinic has to deal on daily/frequent has with doctors
emp at Polyclinic, most of who are senior retired officers, with offrs auth Area/Sub Area/Stn HQs
and Regional Centers and with retired service personnel, which are members of the ECHS,
Besides this, he has also to deal with senior functionaries of the hospitals empanelled by the ECHS
and Govt officials of the distributed administration, specially in Non Mil Stns.
3. GOI/MOD letter No 22(I)/01/US(WE) D(Res) dt 30 Dec 2002 is clear on the subject. Only
non medical officer can be selected as OIC Polyclinic. This was done give opportunity to non AMC
offrs for employment. PBOR are NOT tenable for the appt.
4. In view of the above it is clarified that only following will be selected for the OIC Polyclinic
appt:-
(a)
Only retired service offrs. Should be drawing a pension.
(b) Should NOT be from AMC. Aim is to give opportunity to non med offrs for post
retirement employment.
(c)
(d)
(e)
Have a positive attitude and be helpful by nature.
Should NOT be Hony commissioned offrs.
Necessary preference for appropriate qualification.
5. The above is for your information and necessary action please.
6. HQ Westtern Comd Only. This disposes of your letter No 46153/5/ECHS dt 06 Aug 2004.
Sd/-xxxxxxxxxx
(OS Yadav)
Col
Dir (OPS and Coord)
For MD ECHS

ISSUE OF MEDICAL CERTIFICATES TO
ECHS MEMBERS AND DEPENDENTS
1. ECHS members and their dependents have been approaching this office for policy letters
on issue of medical certificates. Type of medical certificates being asked for is at appendix
attached.
2. It is clarified that ECHS authorities are NOT empowered to issue any medical certificate
except as provided for in the GOI/MOD policy letter.
3. In case any ECHS member requests for such certificates he/she should be directed to
approach other authorised departments/Service Hospitals. ECHS Polyclinics are akin to MI Rooms
and are NOT authorised to issue any certificate.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 04 Aug 2004.

EXEMPTION OF PAYMENT OF ECHS CONTRIBUTION BY
“UNMARRIED DECEASED SOLDIERS”
1. A query has been raised by one of the ECHS Regional Centres regarding the status for
exemption of payment of ECHS contribution by parents of “Unmarried deceased soldiers” who
died while in service and are covered under Category ‘D’ or ‘E’ of Appx of ibid letter.
2. Vide their letter GOI/MOD had only exempted “war widows”, ie, wives of deceased soldiers.
Cases of a “spouse/husband” of woman officer/PBOR was not covered nor were cases of
“unmarried deceased soldiers”. This issue has been deliberated upon at this HQs and it is
confirmed that all categories in receipt of “liberalised family pension” are covered.
3. The above would cover:-
(a)
“War Widow”
(b) “Spouse/Husband” of a deceased woman Officer/PBOR covered by actions in
category “D” or “E”.
(c) “Parents, ie, mother & father” of unmarried deceased soldier, provided they are in
receipt of Liberalised Family Pension.
(d) In case parents at 4 (c) above are deceased, then “NOK” of unmarried deceased
soldier, provided he/she are in receipt of Liberalised Family Pension.
4. In the case of 4 (a) & (b), dependant children of the married deceased soldier are also
covered by the ECHS, subject to age/marriage and other conditions of eligibility. In case of Paras 4
(c) & (d) above, children or dependants of the individuals listed thereat are NOT entitled to ECHS
eligibility, since the deceased soldier was unmarried.
5. This issue may please be given wide publicity for information of the environment.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-WW/AG/ECHS dt 22 Jul 2004.

ECHS : AVAILING OF ECHS FACILITIES BY RE EMPLOYED OFFICER
1. A number of queries have been received at this HQ from Command HQs, and from the
environment, regarding the status of Re-employed officers for using facilities of ECHS.
2. It is clarified that the Scheme is in vogue wef 01 Apr 2003 vide GOI/MOD letter No
22(1)/01/US(WE)D(Res) dated 30 Dec 2002, and personnel retiring from service and fulfilling the
undermentioned two conditions automatically become members of ECHS on their date of
retirement:-
(a) That he/she should be an Ex-Serviceman, i.e, has served in the Armed Forces of
India, as a combatant or non-combatant, in any rank.
(b) That he/she should be in receipt of pension/family pension/disability pension from CDA
authorities through a PPO.
3. Since all ranks retiring on or after 01 Apr 2003 become compulsory members of the
Scheme, deduction of their contribution will take place at source, and will be reflected in their PPO,
irrespective of whether they plan to take up re-employment or not. The entire procedure for
submitting application forms for issue of ECHS cards will commence between 4-12 months in
advance of date of retirement, and this schedule also does not take into account whether an
individual is seeking re-employment or not. Such retiring personnel are, in any case, required to
attach copy of their PPO in proof of their ECHS contribution having been deducted at source.
SMART CARDS will be issued to reach their units 7-15 days before their retirement, as & when the
system stabilizes. Till such time this time schedule is achieved, HQs/units receiving the Cards will
be responsible for delivery to concerned personnel at their address of retirement.
4. Therefore, for the purposes of the Scheme, all ranks of the services who seek reemployment
after retirement are deemed to be members of ECHS and can use the issued SMART
CARD and ECHS facilities, alongwith their dependents who are eligible as per ECHS rules.
5. Pre 31 Mar 2003 retired personnel who have sought Re-employment. Joining the
ECHS is voluntary for such personnel. In their case, they shall have to apply to nearest
station HQs to enroll as members, by depositing their contribution through MRO and by submitting
their Application Form & all required documents. They and their eligible dependents shall be
deemed to be temporary ECHS members from the day their applications are accepted, subject to
subsequent verification of their documents. They shall be deemed to be confirmed ECHS members
once SMART CARDS are issued to them. Such re-employed officers, and their eligible
dependants, will be deemed to be ECHS members, as explained at Para 4 above, and can use its
facilities.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 09 Jul 2004.

REFUND OF ECHS CONTRRIBUTION FOR NEPAL DOMICILE ESM
1. It is once again reiterated that as of now, the Scheme is authorised to ESM residing in India
and ESM pensioner who are domiciled in Nepal are NOT covered by it.
2. In view of the aforesaid, you are requested to ensure that no contribution deductions from
the pensioners residing in Nepal are deducted. In case the deduction have been erroneously
made, then your Records are requested to issue necessary instructions to Regimental Centers and
ensure that the deductions made are reimbursed to the individuals.
3. In this regard CGDA’s letter No AT/IV/4807/ECHS dated 01 Apr 04 also refers.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49708/AG/ECHS dt 16 Jun 2004.

EXEMPTION OF PAYMENT OF ECHS CONTRIBUTION
EXEMPTION OF PAYMENT OF ECHS CONTRIBUTION BY “WAR WIDOWS”
1. Vide MOD letter No 22(1)/01/US(WE)D(Res) dated 08 Mar 04 (copy enclosed), the
Government of India has sanctioned exemption of payment of ECHS contribution by “War
Widows”, that is, those who are in receipt of Liberalized Family Pension.
2. A “War Widow” is one whose spouse has died due to any of the actions listed at Appendix to
this letter.
Category `D’
Appendix
(Ref Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-WW/
AG/ECHS dt 24 May 04)
Death due to acts of violence/attack by terrorists, antisocial elements, etc whether on duty other
than operational duty or even when not on duty. Bomb blasts in public, etc. would be covered
under this category, besides death/disability occurring while employed in the aid of civil power in
dealing with natural calamities.
Category `E’
Death arising as a result of :-
(a)
(b)
(c)
Enemy action in international war.
Action during deployment with a peace keeping mission abroad.
Border skirmishes.
(d) During laying or clearance of mines including enemy mines as also minesweeping
operations.
(e) On account of accidental explosions of mines while laying operationally oriented
mine-field or lifting or negotiating mine-field laid; by the enemy or own forces in operational
areas near international borders or the line of control.
(f)
War like situations, including cases which are attributable to/aggravated by:-
(i)
(ii)
(iii)
Extremist acts, exploding mines etc, while on way to an operational area.
Battle inoculation training exercises or demonstration with live ammunition.
Kidnapping by extremists while on operational duty.
(g) An act of violence/attack by extremists, anti-social elements etc while on
operational duty.
(h) Action against extremists, antisocial elements, etc. Death while employed in the aid
of civil power in quelling agitation riots by demonstrators will be covered under this category.
( j) Operations specially notified by the Govt from time to time.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-WW/AG/ECHS dt 24 May 2004.

ECHS : EXEMPTION TO WAR DISABLED PENSIONERS FROM
PAYMENT OF CONTRIBUTION
1. Reference GOI MOD letter No PC to 24(2)/05/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 24 Jul 2005 (copy
attached).
2. We had not disseminated the above letter because we wanted the Govt of India to clarify
the various conditions under which the exemption was to be granted. The Govt has now given out
the nine conditions under which the disability could have been sustained and issued letter No PC
to 24(2)/05/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 07 Feb 2006 (copy attached).
Documents To Be Submitted For Seeking Exemption From Contribution
3. ESM seeking exemption of contribution/refund of contribution must submit the following
documents to establish proof of disability having been sustained in operations:-
(a)
Army
(i)
Officers
(aa) Battle casualty report issued by MP 5/6 (erstwhile Org 3) AG’s Branch,
Army HQ.
(ab)
PPO. The following details will be checked:-
(aaa) PPO of M/DIS series.
(aab) The details of injury sustained by the ESM in an Operation/War
should be mentioned in the main text of the PPO on account of which
he is receiving the Disability pension.
(ii)
PBOR
(aa)
(ab)
Battle casualty endorsed at Part VI of the Discharge book.
PPO. The PPO should be of D/BC Series.
(b)
Air Force
(i) Officers. The War disabled pensioner will be certified by DPP & R.
(ii)
PBOR. The War disabled pensioner will be certified by AFRO.
(c)
Navy
(i)
(ii)
Officers. The War disabled pensioner will be certified by PDOP.
PBOR. The War disabled pensioner will be certified by CABS.
4. Individuals must submit all documents to establish that they are covered by one of the
conditions listed in the attached Govt letter of 07 Feb 2006.

Procedure For Seeking Refund
5. Govt of India, Ministry of Defence has issued instructions vide their letter No PC to
24(2)/05/US(WE)/D(Res)/Pt III dated 16 Feb 2006 (copy enclosed).
Documents To Be Submitted
6. Those seeking refund must submit the following documents at Stn HQ:-
(a)
(b)
(c)
Contingent bill.
Proof of having paid the contribution.
Proof of Disability as mentioned in the Para 3 above.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-MOD/AG/ECHS dt 23 Feb 200

AMPLIFICATION NOTES FOR CONTRACTUAL
EMPLOYMENT OF STAFF FOR ECHS POLYCLINICS
1. Ref our letter No B/49760/AG/ECHS dated 14 Oct 2003.
2. A query has been received whether serving/re-emp offrs can apply for appt for contractual
emp in ECHS Polyclinics. It is clarified that any offr may apply; however, at the time of assuming
the appt in the ECHS Polyclinic the offr should have attained the status of a retired ESM.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 27 Jan 2004.

STATUS/ENTITLEMENT OF GORKHA SOLDIERS OF NEPAL DOMICILE FOR ECHS
1. A number of queries have been received at this HQ from Gorkha Records Offices, ACC&S
and MIRC Ahmadnagar, regarding status/ entitlement of Gorkha soldiers of Nepal domicile, for the
ECHS.
2. The matter has been considered at the highest level and the current policy is that only
Gorkha soldiers of Indian domicility are entitled to join the ECHS – those of Nepal domicile are not
eligible.
3. In case any deduction has been made in the PPOs of such non-entitled soldiers,
respective Records Offices should take up case for refund by concerned pension
authorities.
4. Treatment of Gorkha soldiers of Nepal domicile shall continue to follow the existing system.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 28 Oct 2003.

ELIGIBILITY FOR ECHS IN RESPECT OF ESMs WHO JOINED PSUs BEFORE COMPLETING
PENSIONABLE SERVICE
1. Govt of India, Min of Defence letter No 22(1)/01/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 30 Dec 2002,
explicitly lays down following twin conditions for becoming a member of ECHS :-
(a)
Should be an Ex-Serviceman.
(b) Should be in receipt of Pension/Disability pension or Family Pension from Defence
authorities.
2. In consonance with the ibid policy, this letter deals with the case of Service officers who,
prior to completing their pensionable service, joined PSUs like Air India, Indian Airlines, Pawan
Hans, Shiping Corporation of India (SCI) in organisational interest, and Govt had sanctioned
pension to these officers on pro-rata basis. On secondment or transfer to PSUs these officers
received their pension either as a lump-sum on full commutation or on monthly basis. For those
who commuted full amount, the monthly pension was to be restored at 43% after 15 years from
their date of retirement on pro-rata basis. Hence, they would be deemed to comply with condition
1(b) above, even though their data of restoration of pension may not have arrived.
3. It has been decided that such affected officers, who meet the twin conditions at Para 1
above, shall be eligible to enroll as ECHS members. The following additional conditions will have
to be complied with by these ESMs:-
(a) Since the Govt rules prohibit an individual from taking benefit from two schemes, a
certificate to this effect/entry at new Para 10 of Affidavit will be mandatory, where it must be
stated that “I certify that I am not a member of any other Govt/PSUs medical health
scheme”.
(b) The calculable pension slab for determining contribution will be based on the pension
entitled to the rank held by the individuals at the time of release, and NOT on his restored
pension amount. In other words, they will be required to pay an amount similar to the
current pension of the rank held at the time of retirement. For example, Wg Cdr ‘A’ joined
Pawan Hans in 1989 and was granted fully commuted pension. He shall have to contribute
as per the current authorised pension of a Wg Cdr, ie Rs 9190/- and hence, the contribution
amount shall be Rs 18,000/- in the case of Wg Cdr ‘A’.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 18 Nov 2003.

ECHS CONTRIBUTION BY WIDOWS OF SERVICE PERSONNEL
1. A case was referred to this Headquarters for clarification whether ECHS contribution
amount by “widows” of Service personnel, is to be calculated as per “Enhanced Pension” rate or
“Basic Pension” rate.
2. All widows are initially paid ‘Enhanced Family Pension’ in cases where the death of the
Service Personnel is attributable to Military Service. However, this enhanced family pension is
subsequently reduced to ‘Basic Family Pension’ which is much lesser than the enhanced family
pension.
3. The matter has been examined and it has been decided that contribution for ECHS, by
such affected widows, will be based on the amount of “Basic Pension” which will be subsequently
drawn by them, and NOT on the ‘Enhanced Family Pension’.
Authority: Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 30 Sep 2003.

ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility Conditions
1. Entitlement for ECHS. The Scheme caters for medicare to all ESM in receipt of pension
or disability pension, as also his/her dependants, which includes wife/husband, legitimate children
and wholly dependant parents. The scheme is also applicable to NOKs of deceased pensioners
who are drawing family/special family pension. Definitions:-
(a) Ex-Servicemen Pensioner. Any person who has served in any rank (whether as
combatant or as Non-combatant) in the regular Army, Navy and Air Force of the Indian
Union, and fulfills the following conditions:-
(i)
who has retired from such service after earning his/her pension.
(ii) who has been released from such service on medical grounds attributable to
military service, or in circumstances beyond his/her control, and is in receipt of
disability pension.
(iii)
It includes personnel of the Territorial Army of the following categories.
(aa)
Pension holders for continuous embodied Service.
(bb) Persons with disability attributable to military service and drawing
disability pension.
(iv)
The following are also included:-
(aa)
Personnel of Military Nursing Service drawing pension.
(ab) Whole time officers of National Cadet Corps(NCC) who are Exservicemen
and in receipt of pension/disability/ family pension.
(b) Family Pensioner. Implies the legally wedded spouse of an Armed Forces
personnel, whose name figures in the service records of the personnel and whose husband/
wife (as the case may be) has died either while in service or after retirement and is granted
family pension. This term also includes a child or children drawing family pension on the
death of his/her pension drawing father/mother, as also parents of a deceased bachelor
soldier, who are in receipt of family pension.
2. Eligibility Status for Dependants. The following categories qualify to be called
dependants:-
(a) Parents. Father and Mother of the pensioner shall be deemed to be dependant
if they are normally residing with the ESM pensioner, and their combined income from all
sources is less than Rs. 2550/- per month.
Auth : B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 06 May 2005.
(b)
Spouse
(i)
(ii)
Legally wedded Spouse.
Name should be included in the records of service.

(iii) Legally separated spouse is included as long as the ESM pensioner is
responsible for her maintenance. In case spouse remarries, then he/she is not
entitled.
(iv) If the spouse is employed in Govt service then he/she can only be a member
of any one Govt/Public sector medical benefit scheme and not a second one.
(v) If a war widow remarries then only she is eligible. Her husband, however, will
NOT be eligible.
(vi) In case the ESM pensioner marries after retirement, following documents will
be required as proof for dependancy of wife:-
(aa) Marriage certificate from authorized Registrar of Marriages/Municipal
Committee.
(ab) Application form will have to be submitted for enrolling the spouse as a
dependant.
(c)
Daughter(s)
(i) Her/their details must exist in the service record of the pensioner.
(ii)
(iii)
Unmarried and unemployed daughters must be dependant on the pensioner.
Married and or employed daughters are NOT entitled.
(iv) Widowed daughters who are dependant on the pensioner and whose income
from all sources is less than Rs.1500/- per month are entitled.
(v) Daughters with permanent mental or physical disability, irrespective of
age/medical condition.
(vi) Divorced daughters are entitled, when solely dependant on the pensioner,
and whose income from all sources is less than Rs. 2550/- per month.
(vii) In case where daughter is born after the pensioner’s retirement, following
documents will be required to enable the child to be declared as a dependant and to
become entitled to ECHS benefits:-
(aa)
(ab)
Birth Certificate
Submission of application Form to enrol as a dependant.
(d)
Sons
(i)
(ii)
His/their details must be included in the pensioners record of service.
Unemployed sons upto 25 years.
(iii) Sons suffering from permanent physical or mental disability irrespective of
age limit or medical condition.

(iv) In case where the son is born after the pensioner’s retirement, the following
documents will be required as proof of dependency :-
(aa)
(ab)
Birth Certificate.
Submission of additional application form to enroll as a dependant.
3. Pension. For the purposes of eligibility for the ECHS, the word “pension” implies any
type of pension received from the Government/Civil Services Estimate/ Defence Services Estimate
and paid by the Controller of Defence Accounts (Pension) or his subordinate offices.
Authority:- Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49764/AG/ECHS dt 10 Oct 03 and B/49701-
SP/AG/ECHS dt 06 May 2005.

B/49711/AG/ECHS 25 Mar 2011
CESSATION OF TEMPORARY ATTACHMENT PROCEDURE
1. Reference our following letters:-
(a) B/49762/AG/ECHS dated 04 Aug 2006.
(b) B/49770-P/AG/ECHS/Referral dated 05 Apr 2007.
(c) B/49762/AG/ECHS dated 05 Nov 2009.
(d) B/49711/AG/ECHS dated 16 Dec 2010.
2. Provision of Temporary Attachment Certificate was initiated to facilitate
provisioning and issue of drugs/medicines and consumables by a Polyclinic to
outstation ECHS beneficiaries. Patients temporarily relocating to a new station were
given TAC for facilitating issue of medicines for a prescribed duration.
3. Feedback from the environment regarding utility of TAC indicates that the
procedure instead of facilitating delivery of medicare has become a hindrance. Further
the intended purpose of assisting in planning MMF is also not being achieved.
4. In light of the above feedback the entire procedure of TAC was deliberated upon
at length at the Central Organisation. Consequently, it has been decided to abolish the
procedure of temporary attachments. Hereafter, ECHS beneficiaries may receive
treatment/referral from any ECHS Polyclinic on production of ECHS Smart Card.
5. In order to minimize procedural hassles and hardship to veterans following
simplified procedure will be followed:-
(a) A veteran reporting sick at a Polyclinic other than his parent Polyclinic
can easily be identified at the reception (The cmptr shows the card belonging to
other Polyclinic by a pop up window). The outstation veteran will be given an
option of changing his parent Polyclinic or continuing as a temporary member.
He will be explained that in case he opts for change of parent Polyclinic he will
not be able to change it again for duration of six months.
(b) In case the veteran opts for change of parent Polyclinic, then the same
will be executed through the registration cmptr. He will be entitled to draw
medicines for the prescribed duration.
(c) In case the veteran opts for treatment without change in parent
Polyclinic, he will be entitled to draw medicines only for a duration of seven
days at a time. All other facilities for medical treatment except non-expendable
med eqpt such as hearing aid will be entitled to him at par with those available
at parent Polyclinic.
(d) An intimation regarding outstation member joining the Polyclinic as
permanent members (opting for parent Polyclinic) will be sent to previous
parent Polyclinic and RC as per format att at Appx ‘A’.
(e) On receipt of intimation the previous parent Polyclinic will send details of
non-expendable medical eqpt issued to the beneficiary to new parent Polyclinic
by post.

(f) OIC Polyclinic will submit a monthly return to the RC regarding
outstation members who have opted for his Polyclinic as parent Polyclinic as
per format at Appx ‘B’.
(g) Record of non-expendable medical eqpt issued to the member by parent
Polyclinic should be available in the smart card. In case the record is not
available then the same will be obtained by post from erstwhile parent
Polyclinic before issuing such stores to the member.
6. Our letters under ref at para 1 (a), (b) and (c) are hereby superseded.
(Vivek Bhatt)
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS

Appendix ‘A’
(Refer to Para 5 (d) of Central Org letter No
B/49711/AG/ECHS dt 25 Mar 2011)
Address of New Parent Polyclinic
----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
Polyclinic file ref:--------------------
Date:………………..
INTIMATION: CHANGE OF PARENT POLYCLINIC
(Separate form to be raised for each card/copy to be sent to concerned Regional
Centre)
To
OIC ECHS Polyclinic
---------------------------
---------------------------
--------------------------- (Address of Old Parent Polyclinic)
1. ECHS Card No.....................................................
2. Name of ECHS beneficiary…………….
3. Relationship with ECHS Member…………...
4. No……………… …
5. Rank………….
6. Name of AFV………………………………….
7. Old Parent Polyclinic
8. New Parent Polyclinic
9. Date of change of Parent Polyclinic
10. Duration from-------------------- to-----------------------
Declaration by Card Holder
Certified above is true
Date:
(Sign. of Card holder)
Remarks of OIC Polyclinic
Verified details as above
Certified above is true
Date:
(Sign. of OIC Polyclinic)

Appendix ‘B’
(Refer to Para 5 (f) of Central Org letter
No B/49711/AG/ECHS dt Mar 2011)
CHANGE OF PARENT POLYCLINIC
(MONTHLY REPORT TO REGIONAL CENTRE ……………………FOR MONTH
…………………..)
S.
No
ECHS
Membership
Card No
Name of
ECHS
Beneficiary
Service
No
Rank
Name
of
AFV
Relationship
with AFV
Old
Polyc
linic
New
Polyclinic
Date of
effect
(Signature of OIC)

49762/AG/ECHS 02 Jun 2011
ADVISORY NO - 13 : MEDICINES FOR VETERANS TRAVELLING ABROAD
1. Prescribing medicines for long duration has been a subject matter of
protracted debate at the Service HQ level. This has resulted in DGAFMS recently
permitting issue of medicines for 60/90 days on a case to case basis provided that
the treating doctor endorses that the “case does not require review for 60/90 days”.
2. We are aware that in exceptional cases drugs may be required for even
longer duration, when ECHS beneficiaries have to move abroad where medicines
are not available without a medical prescription valid in that country. Considering
such exceptional cases, SEMOs/OICs ECHS Polyclinic may, subject to concerned
specialists endorsement, issue prescribed medicines for longer duration.
(SP Patil )
Brig
Dy MD
for MD ECHS

B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS 07 Jun 2011
ECHS ADVISORY NOTE NO 12 : EMERGENCY TREATMENT IN
ECHS POLYCLINIC
1. The ‘Hippocratic Oath’ or a it’s more modern version in ‘Declaration of Geneva’ enjoin
the practitioners of noble profession of medicine to provide medical care to all paitents in
emergency to the best of their ability and judgement. A few cases have come to the notice of
Central Organisation, ECHS where the polyclinic’s administrative and medical staff have
refused to provide medical treatment to patients experiencing medical emergencies. The
practice is not only in contravention of medical ethics but also of Govt orders on the subject.
2. It will be ensured that, all ECHS Polyclinics provide available/possible medicare to any
person in a situation of medical emergency. Any patient (irrespective of his status
civilian/defence personnel/non ECHS member) who is brought to ECHS Polyclinic in emergency
medical condition will be provided medical aid and subsequently referred to nearest hospital.
Serving personnel and their dependents after First Aid/emergency attendance will be referred to
nearest service hospital/civil hospital whichever is suitable for further management. In such
emergency situation ECHS ambulance may be used for speedy transfer of the patient alongwith
accompaning MO and Nursing Attendant.
(SP Patil)
Brig
Dy MD ECHS
for MD ECHS

B/49760/AG/ECHS (R) May 2011
TENURE OF CONTRACTUAL EMPLOYEES AT ECHS POLYCLINICS
1. Reference :-
(a) GoI, MoD letter No 22 (6)/03/US(WE)/D(Res) dated 22 Sep 2003.
(b) Central Organisation ECHS letter No B/49760/AG/ECHS (R) dated 07
Mar 2006.
(c) GoI, MoD letter No 24(6)/03/US(WE)/D(Res) Pt-III dated 15 Jun 2006.
2. The Govt orders on the subject initially stipulated that the employment will
be normally for a period of two years at the maximum. Subsequently owing to
limited availability of candidates and consequent expenditure on advertisements etc,
the Govt permitted extension of contractual employment upto age of
superannuation subject to review of conduct and performance.
3. The issue of periodic turn over of ECHS contractual employees was
discussed during ECHS seminar on 06 Apr 2011 and also highlighted during the
Army Cdrs’ Conf on 27 Apr 2011.
4. ECHS Polyclinics are the only Government Organization authorized to be
manned only by contractual staff with fixed contractual fees. It is therefore a
challenge for the Station Commanders to find suitable human resource and then
retain honest and efficient ones based on attitude and performance. Larger cities
may have adequate number of prospective candidates. Periodic turn over of
appropriate candidates may therefore be possible. The same is not true in respect
of smaller cities and towns. Broadly, availability of suitable human resource for
ECHS Polyclinics depends upon the following:-
(a)
Location - Larger cities - better availability.
(b) Existing Contractual Fees - Better choice of candidates when ECHS
rates better than local Govt health service pay/prevailing compensation package in
private hospitals.
(c) Working environment and work pressure - High pressure polyclinics
offer greater challenge to employees. Not many quality ex-servicemen candidates
may apply as maintaining level of satisfaction of ECHS beneficiaries is a
challenge not everyone can meet.
(d) Availability of Doctors - Ex-Servicemen MOs and Specialists generally
settle in large cities with better job opportunities. Only civilian
Doctors/Specialists are available and that too in limited numbers. Periodic
turn over may not be practical.
(e) Availability of Medical Specialists and Gynaecologists in non-military
stations would always be limited as has been the ECHS experience of the last
eight years.

-2-
(f) Degree of involvement of command chain and prominent exservicemen
of the Station/Area in running of ECHS is an important factor.
Station Commanders/ECHS staff in a number of stations have
identified/contacted/motivated Officers/Doctors/Specialists in joining ECHS for
the sake of (social) service to ex-servicemen often looking beyond financial
compensation. Such involvement has ensured full manning of polyclinics with
quality manpower. Lackadaisical attitude of Stn Cdrs and their staff towards
ECHS will result in under utilization of ECHS vacancies causing undue
hardships to the ESM community.
4. Apropos above, following are the instructions on employment and tenure of
the ECHS contractual staff:-
(a) OIC Polyclinics in and around large cities/military stations where
adequate number of retired officers are available: normal tenure of three years,
extendable upto a maximum of five years.
(b) OIC Polyclinics at locations away from large cities/military stations – no
restriction on tenure.
(c) Medical Specialists/Gynaecologists – no restrictions.
(d) Medical officers – for polyclinics in a around large cities/military
stations – three years, extendable upto five years.
(e) Dental Officers – There is good availability of dental officers. Hence
tenures in all stations would be of three years extendable to five years. The dental
officer is the only one who carries out surgery at polyclinic level. Hence, his/her
competence in surgery would require be scrutinizing, examining and clearing by the
concerned senior Dental Officer of nominated service Dental Centre. Reservation
criteria for ex-servicemen may be relaxed to ensure that better candidates are
employed.
(f)
Paramedics and non-medics – No restrictions.
5. In all above cases, it should be ensured that contracts of persons found
involved in accepting business promotion incentives from Private Hospitals/Nursing
Homes/Dental Centres/Diagnostic Centres be terminated. An appropriate clause be
included in the agreement for contract with the employees.
6. OIC ECHS of Station Cells would not be permitted to take up assignment of
OIC Polyclinics within three years of retirement.
7. To ensure grater transparency in selection process and to enable the
selection board, the advantage of the knowledge of spoken reputation of candidates,
senior armed forces veterans (ECHS members only), especially, senior station
advisory committee members / Hony advisors to Central Org ECHS be included as
observers. These observers may provided necessary inputs on spoken reputation of
the candidates. These inputs should be recorded in the proceedings.

-3-
8. To ensure functional efficiency of polyclinics, it is mandatory to ensure
immediate availability of relief when turn over of a contractual employee is to
be effected. Turn over shall not be effected if the relief is not available.
9. Our letter No B/49760/AG/ECHS (R) dated 07 Mar 2006 is hereby
superseded.
(Gulshan Chadha)
Lt Col
Offg Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS

B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS 09 Jun 2011
VETTING OF ECHS APPLICATION FORMS : NEPAL DOMICILED
GORKHAS (NDG) ESM
1. Ref GOI, MoD letter No 22D(48)/2006/US(WE)/D(Res) dt 14 Sep 2010.
2. The vetting of ECHS applications for all NDG ESM who have retired before 14 Sep 2010
is to be carried out by AMA (Records) for correctness. Record office at Indian Embassy has
intimated that service documents of NDG ESM are received by them after completion of reserve
liability by the ESM i.e. after two to five years. Further Record Office at Indian Embassy does
not have records of NDG officers.
3. In view of the aforementioned, following procedure will be followed:-
(a) Application of officers received by AMA (Records) will be fwd to respective
service HQs. After verifying they will fwd the application to ECHS Regional Centre Delhi.
The nodal offices for vetting ECHS application are as follows:-
(i)
Army
Dir MP 5&6
Adjutant General Branch
Integrated HQ of MoD (Army),
West Block, RK Puram, New Delhi - 110066
(ii)
Air Force
Dir ECHS
Air HQ (DDP & R)
RK Puram, West Block New Delhi – 110066
(iii)
Navy
Dir ECHS (Navy)
Integrated HQ of MoD (Navy)
6 th floor, Chankyapuri
New Delhi – 110021
(b) Applications of JCOs/OR whose records are not available with Record Office at
Indian Embassy will be fwd to respective Record Offices in India for vetting.
(c) Record Offices after vetting will fwd applications to their affiliated ECHS Regional
Centres.
4. PPOs at Dharan and Pokhra may be permitted to receive application forms and issue
receipt on behalf of AMA (Records). Detailed instructions in this regard will be issued by DA,
Embassy of India.
(Vivek Bhatt)
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for MD ECHS

POLICY ON SUBMISSION/ACCEPTANCE OF ECHS APPLICATION FORM WITHOUT PPO
FOR PRE-1986 RETIREES
1. References:-
(a) Central Org ECHS letter No B/49708-R/AG/ECHS/R dated 16 Feb 2004.
(b) Central Org ECHS letter No B/49708/AG/ECHS/R dated 01 Sep 2006.
2. It has been reported that Veterans who have retired prior to 1986 are facing difficulties in
obtaining duplicate copy of their PPO. The primary aim of attaching a copy of PPO with ECHS
Application Form is to verify the veracity of being an Ex-Serviceman pensioner alongwith
particulars of recipient of eligible family pensioner ie name of spouse and special child, if any. The
status of being a pensioner and that of his/her spouse can also be established from
DPDO/Bankers certificate and other details ie name of spouse etc could be ascertained from
discharge book of the individual.
3. In view of the above the ECHS Application Form in respect of pre-1986 retirees may be
accepted without a copy of PPO provided membership applied by Armed Forces Veteran
pensioner is only for himself/herself and his/her spouse (the status of being a pensioner could be
ascertained from DPDO/Banker's Certificate). In such cases a copy of following documents would
be insisted upon alongwith the Application Form:-
(a)
(b)
(c)
Discharge Book showing name of spouse.
Pension Book showing details of pension sanctioned.
DPDO/Banker's Certificate.
(d) Non Effective Strength Records Part II order in case of marriage after retirement and
the fact is not shown in the DPDO/Banker's Certificate.
4. In case of birth of any child after retirement of pre-1986 retirees submission of Non
Effective Strength Records Part II Order is a must.
5. In no case submission of 'Affidavit' will be dispensed with.
Authority: Central Org ECHS, Army HQ letter No B/49701-A/AG/ECHS dt 24 Jan 2007.

SOP FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST ECHS MEMBERS
Introduction
1. Various policies and procedures have been laid down for smooth and efficient functioning of
ECHS. In the recent past, cases of misuse of ECHS facilities by members or false declaration of
facts have been reported. The environment has also been reporting increase in misconduct on the
part of the members. To ensure the efficient functioning of ECHS as per rules, there is need to lay
down instructions to deal with cases of misuse and misconduct.
Aim
2. The aim of this Standard Operating Procedure is to lay down the actions to be taken at
various levels on detection of misuse of ECHS facilities and misconduct by its members.
Areas of Misuse
3. Some of the areas of misuse are given below:-
(a)
Seeking membership for ineligible dependents.
(b) Not intimating change of status of dependents due to marriage/employment/improved
financial status.
(c) Seeking membership on fraudulent or tampered documents which subsequently get
detected.
(d) Availing the treatment facility either in the Polyclinics or in empanelled hospitals for
unauthorized individual in the name of dependent members.
(e) Making false or frivolous complaints repeatedly which in subsequent investigation are
proved wrong.
(f) Availing facilities from two schemes i.e. ECHS and CGHS/Rly/State Govt/PSU/banks
simultaneously.
(g)
(h)
(j)
(k)
Misconduct including abusing/criminally assaulting/threatening the Polyclinic staff.
Preferring bogus or inflated claims for re-imbursement with intention to defraud.
Signing bills of treatment in empanelled hospital not actually utilized/availed.
Any other type of misuse/misconduct.
Reporting and Investigation of Cases
4. Cases of misuse/misconduct will be reported immediately to the concerned Stn HQ by the
Polyclinic and any other authority who has observed the misuse/misconduct. Actions to be taken at
various levels are given in succeeding paras.
5. Action by OIC Polyclinic. Cases of misuse/misconduct will be reported immediately on
occurrence by OIC Polyclinics to the concerned Stn HQ.

6. Action at Stn HQ.
(a) On receipt of such report about misuse/misconduct an inquiry to be ordered into the
same by the Stn Cdr by appointing an officer and such other person as he deems fit for an
impartial inquiry.
(b) An inquiry report shall be prepared after due investigation into the allegation and fwd
to the Stn Cdr alongwith recommendations.
(c) After due consideration of the Inquiry proceedings, if the Stn Cdr finds that any
person is blameworthy for the alleged misconduct as mentioned in para 3 above, then he
shall issue to such person a show cause notice specifically mentioning such lapses and
provide him 30 days to submit his reply thereto. Station HQ shall also fwd initial report to
the concerned Regional Centre with copy to Central Organisation ECHS as per format
attached as Appx ‘A’.
(d) The accused shall also be provided with all documents and evidence addressed
during the Inquiry.
(e) After considering the reply or after expiry of the time mentioned in the show cause
notice, if the Stn Cdr concludes that the misconduct/misdemeanor of minor nature is
established, he shall have powers to order suspension of membership of the blameworthy
for a maximum period of six months. Copy of orders of the Stn Cdr will also be given to the
accused.
(f) In case of major misconduct/misdemeanor, Stn Cdr shall recommend termination of
his/her membership.
(g) Where recommendation for termination of membership has been made, the same will
be forwarded to Central Org ECHS through the channel of command.
(h) On the recommendation of Stn Cdr and channel of Command, Adjutant General will
terminate the membership of ECHS.
7. Appeal. A member accused will be given 30 days clear time to appeal against the decision
of the Stn Cdr after receipt of the decision by the individual. On receipt of the appeal, the MG IC
Adm of HQ Command will carry out necessary review of the appeal and endorse his remarks and
fwd to Central Org ECHS for necessary action.
8. Publicity. In case where decision of termination of membership is taken, the names of
such ESM shall be highlighted on the web and wide publicity given through concerned Regional
Centre.
Reports and Returns
9. The Regional Centres shall compile and submit quarterly report of all breach of discipline
cases i.e. for quarter ending Mar, Jun, Sep and Dec to Central Org ECHS by 15 th of following
month as per format attached as Appx ‘B’.
Col
Dir (Ops & Coord)
for AG

Appx ‘A’
(Ref Central Org ECHS letter No.
B/49717-Disc SOP/AG/ECHS dt 27 Mar 08)
INITIAL REPORT
DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST ECHS MEMBERS
1. ECHS Regn No. :-
2. Particulars of ECHS member:-
(a) Service No.
(b) Rank
(c) Name
3. Address and Tele No. of ECHS member :-
4. Details of Dependents :-
(a)
(b)
(c)
5. Details of Violation of Order/Policy (in brief) :-
6. Proposed Action :-
Date : ---------------------------------------------
(Sig with Name, Rank and Appt)

DISCIPLINARY ACTION AGAINST ECHS MEMBERS
Appx ‘B’
(Ref Central Org ECHS letter No.
B/49717-Disc SOP/AG/ECHS dt 27 Mar 08)
Ser
No
No, Rank
and Name
of ECHS
member
ECHS
Regn
Number
Dependent
Polyclinic
Stn HQ
Nature of
Complaint (in
Brief)
Status of Case
(in brief)
Remarks

VOLUNTARY SUSPENSION/CANCELLATION OF ECHS MEMBERSHIP
1. Some cases have come to notice that AFVs after becoming members of ECHS have taken up
emp in Central/State Govt which have their own med schemes. Hence they are requested to place their
ECHS membership in suspension/cancellation in case they are drawing benefit of Central Govt/State
Govt/PSUS/PMF funded scheme.
2. In such cases ESM must deposit their ECHS smart cards with Regional Centre ECHS alongwith
all particulars of post retirement employment. The ECHS contribution is non-refundable.
3. The Regional Centres are to keep such ECHS smart cards in safe custody till such time ESM is
employed with other Govt deptt. The same will be reactivated once the ESM chooses ECHS and does
not take any benefit from any other Govt run medical scheme on final completion/retirement of his
service with Central Govt/State Govt/PSUS/PMF.
4. The above may please be given wide publicity.
Authority : Central Org Letter NO :B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt14 JULY 2008
Brig
Dy MD
For MD ECHS