Concerns Raised Over Delays in Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme
Discussion in Lok Sabha
During the Zero Hour proceedings in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta highlighted ongoing delays in processing treatment claims under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). He emphasized that the slow reimbursement pace has led several private healthcare facilities to withdraw from the program, which is hindering access to medical services for beneficiaries.
MP’s Statement on the Issue
Capt. Chowta stated, “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).” He expressed his commitment to addressing the challenges that retired soldiers and their dependents encounter during their treatment.
Call for Action
He further remarked, “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.” Capt. Chowta took to social media to convey his concerns.
Impact on Healthcare Access
The MP noted that private hospitals across the country are opting out of the scheme due to reimbursement delays. He cited specific examples from hilly regions like Kodagu, where no private hospitals are part of the scheme, forcing senior retired soldiers to travel significant distances—between 100 to 150 kilometers—for primary medical treatment. The ECHS caters to over one crore beneficiaries annually, but these payment delays threaten the integrity of the entire system.
Urgent Appeal to Defence Minister
Capt. Chowta underscored the need for immediate action, stating, “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.”
About the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a vital healthcare initiative launched by India’s Ministry of Defence. It provides cashless and subsidized medical care for pensioners of the Indian Armed Forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with their eligible dependents. The scheme ensures access to quality treatment for various medical conditions, including critical ailments like cancer and joint replacements.
Related Developments
In a related update, AIIMS Raipur has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Defence Ministry to enhance health services for ex-servicemen.