ECHS Scheme: Veterans and their families will no longer have to visit a health center to receive their medicines; instead, medicines will be delivered directly to their homes by post. This will include medications that are not typically available at health centers.
The Department of Posts has launched a special service to deliver medicines not available at ECHS polyclinics to the doorsteps of beneficiaries under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme. Launched in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (DESW), this initiative will procure and package medicines through Common Service Centers (CSCs) of Village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) located at ECHS polyclinics. India Post will manage the logistics and distribution of these medicines to beneficiaries.
A statement issued by the Department of Posts said, “The Department of Posts (DoP), in collaboration with the Department of Ex-Servicemen Services (DESW), has launched a special service under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to facilitate ordering, booking, transportation, and doorstep delivery of medicines not available at ECHS polyclinics.” The service was first piloted in Delhi on July 31, where it received an encouraging response. It was later expanded to the NCR region, including Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.
Following the success of this nationwide
pilot project, extensive mapping of 458 ECHS locations was conducted, and the service became available nationwide on October 17th. Veterans will now be able to order their medications from the comfort of their homes and have them delivered by post. The purpose of this facility is to provide healthcare services and pharmaceutical supplies to retired military personnel, saving them the inconvenience of leaving their homes and traveling to a health center.
What is the ECHS Scheme?
The ECHS Scheme is run by the Central Government for ex-servicemen. It is a contributory health scheme that requires ex-servicemen to make a nominal contribution and in return, provides medical services to them and their dependents. This scheme is administered through ECHS polyclinics, military medical facilities, and ECHS-empanelled doctors and hospitals across the country. Beneficiaries are issued an ECHS smart card, which is used for medical treatment. This cardholder receives cashless and highly subsidized medical care.
