EX-SERVICEMEN CONTRIBUTORY HEALTH SCHEME
EX-SERVICEMEN CONTRIBUTORY HEALTH SCHEME Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was launched with effect from April 1, 2003. The Scheme aims to provide allopathic and AYUSH medicare to ex-servicemen pensioners and their dependents through a network of ECHS Polyclinics, Service medical facilities, government hospitals, empanelled private hospitals/specified Government AYUSH hospitals spread across the country. The Scheme has been structured on the lines of CGHS to ensure cashless transactions for the patients and is financed by the Government of India. ECHS Polyclinics are designed to provide 'out patient care' which includes consultation, essential investigation and provision of medicines. Specialized consultations, investigations and 'in patient care' (hospitalisation) is provided through spare capacity available in Service hospitals, government hospitals, private hospitals empanelled with ECHS. The insignia of ECHS has a shield divided in