MP raises issues in ECHS scheme in Parliament
Delhi: During Zero Hour proceedings in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta drew attention to persistent delays in clearing treatment claims under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme.
He pointed out that the slow pace of reimbursements has prompted several private healthcare facilities to opt out of the programme, affecting access to medical services for beneficiaries.
“Today, during the Zero Hour of Parliament, I raised the issue of the difficulties faced by retired soldiers and their families due to the delay in payment of medical bills under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).” “As a soldier, I felt it necessary to place before the House the difficulties faced by retired soldiers and their dependents during treatment.
Under the leadership of our esteemed Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the welfare of our serving and retired soldiers has always been a top priority. In this context, it is imperative to urgently address this lapse in the management of the ECHS scheme,” he said taking to social media.
He pointed out that across the country, private hospitals are opting out of the scheme due to delays in reimbursement. He has given examples of hilly areas like Kodagu, where no private hospitals are included in the scheme, and senior retired soldiers have to endure the hardship of travelling 100-150 km for primary treatment. ECHS supports over one crore beneficiaries every year, but this delay in payments is undermining the credibility of the entire system.
“Under our Hon’ble PM Modi's leadership, the welfare of our Fauj - be it serving or veterans - has always been a priority, which is why this gap needs urgent attention. Therefore, I have urged our Hon’ble Defence Minister Shri Rajnath Singh to immediately implement the payment settlement system within the time frame so that our retired soldiers can enjoy uninterrupted, dignified healthcare,” he further added.
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a comprehensive healthcare initiative by India's Ministry of Defence, providing cashless, subsidized medical care for pensioners of the Indian Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force) and their eligible dependents through ECHS Polyclinics, Service Hospitals, and empanelled private hospitals, ensuring quality treatment for various ailments, including critical conditions like cancer and joint replacements.
