ECHS

In a significant development, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has empaneled 40 additional private hospitals, nursing homes, and diagnostic centres to enhance healthcare services for its beneficiaries. This decision was finalized during the 69th Screening Committee Meeting held on May 24, 2024. The empanelment aims to improve access to quality medical care for retired military personnel and their dependents across the country.

Following formal approval by the Managing Director of ECHS, the newly added healthcare providers are required to comply with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) guidelines. The empaneled facilities will offer a wide range of treatments and medical services, with pricing aligned to Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates, as per the standards set by the Empowered Committee.


Compliance and Accreditation Requirements

  • CGHS-Empaneled Hospitals: Healthcare facilities already registered under CGHS must provide proof of their CGHS status during the agreement process with ECHS. These hospitals will remain empaneled as long as their CGHS accreditation is active, with agreements extended upon renewal.
  • NABH-Accredited Hospitals: Facilities accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) will also be eligible for empanelment. Agreements with these facilities will be valid for the duration of their NABH certification, with provisions for renewal upon revalidation.

Expanding Healthcare Options for ECHS Beneficiaries

The decision to empanel additional private facilities reflects ECHS’s commitment to providing high-quality and accessible healthcare for veterans, even in remote areas. With the inclusion of more hospitals and diagnostic centres, members will benefit from a broader network of healthcare providers.

Also Read: IIT Delhi Launches MS in Healthcare Technology for Medical Professionals, Starting January 2025

Key Differences Between CGHS and ECHS

While CGHS and ECHS both serve as healthcare schemes, their target beneficiaries and structures differ:


  • CGHS caters to serving and retired civilian central government employees, their pensioners, and dependents.
  • ECHS focuses exclusively on retired military personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with their dependents.
  • ECHS maintains a larger network of empaneled hospitals, including coverage in rural and remote regions, offering beneficiaries broader access to healthcare facilities compared to CGHS.

This expansion of the ECHS network aligns with the scheme’s mission to continuously improve healthcare delivery for India’s ex-servicemen community, ensuring they receive timely, affordable, and high-quality care.


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