The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a vital welfare initiative of the Government of India, supporting lakhs of veterans and their dependents with healthcare benefits. Managing ECHS cards is crucial for uninterrupted access to these facilities. Recently, the Central Organisation ECHS (Adjutant General’s Branch) issued new guidelines (Letter No. B/49711-NSC/AG/ECHS/Gen Corr dated 25 Sep 2025) to streamline the process of blocking and unblocking cards.
👉 In this article, we will explain when you need to block your ECHS card, the situations that require unblocking, and the step-by-step procedure to avoid errors and delays.
Why Blocking and Unblocking of ECHS Cards is Important
ECHS cards are the backbone of the scheme, enabling beneficiaries to access medical facilities at empanelled hospitals, service hospitals, and ECHS polyclinics. However, certain situations demand that a card be blocked. These include loss of card, changes in personal data, death of a member, or loss of eligibility.
Unfortunately, a large number of beneficiaries have been found to block their cards under the wrong category due to lack of awareness. Once a card is wrongly blocked, it often creates difficulties for the veteran and family members while availing medical facilities. Recognising this, the Central Organisation has now issued structured guidelines to avoid mistakes and streamline the process.
Valid Reasons for Blocking an ECHS Card
ECHS cards can be blocked under the following specific categories only:
- Due to Change in Data – When personal details such as name, rank, or service particulars need to be updated.
- Due to Loss of 64 KB ECHS Card – If the physical card is misplaced, it must be blocked immediately to avoid misuse.
- Due to Death of Member – When a beneficiary passes away, the card must be blocked, and the record updated.
- No More Eligibility – For example, when income exceeds ₹9,000 per month (excluding DA), marriage of a dependent daughter, or if a family member ceases to qualify as a dependent.
- Due to Divorce – The spouse’s card must be blocked in case of legal separation.
How to Block an ECHS Card
Beneficiaries have been given two convenient methods to block a card:
1. Through the ECHS Web Portal
- Visit the official website: echs.sourceinfosys.com
- Log in with valid credentials.
- Go to “More Options” → “Block Cards”.
- Select the member whose card needs to be blocked.
- Choose the appropriate reason from the drop-down menu, add remarks, and submit.
2. Through the ECHS Mobile App
- Login using the ECHS card number and 4-digit mobile PIN.
- Go to Services → “Block Card” option.
- Select the relevant beneficiary and reason, add remarks, and submit.
Detailed Explanation of Categories
- Change in Data – Beneficiaries must refer to the detailed procedure already issued by CO ECHS (letter dated 16 Sep 2025).
- Loss of Card – If the card is lost, it must be blocked immediately. The beneficiary should then apply for a reprint by using the online portal, pay the required fees, and generate a temporary slip. This slip must be countersigned by the OIC of the parent polyclinic (PC) and can be used to avail facilities until the new card is issued.
- Death of a Member – In case of death, a death certificate must be uploaded while blocking the card. For ESM, the spouse automatically becomes the primary beneficiary. The deceased member’s card must be destroyed.
- No More Eligibility – Cards must be blocked when a dependent’s income crosses the prescribed limit, on marriage of daughters, or when dependency ceases for any other reason.
- Divorce – If a marriage ends, the spouse’s card should be blocked immediately under this category.
Special Note on Remarriage
The software system does not automatically permit adding a second spouse after divorce or demise of the first. Therefore, ESM who remarry must obtain prior approval from CO ECHS before applying for a new spouse card. Approval is subject to submission of the following documents via email to jditechs1@echs.gov.in:
- Death certificate / divorce decree (whichever is applicable).
- Remarriage certificate.
- Part II Order, POR, or service certificate confirming death/divorce and remarriage.
- Updated PPO with the name of the second spouse endorsed.
Unblocking of ECHS Cards
Despite clear guidelines, mistakes happen. Beneficiaries sometimes block cards under the wrong category. In such cases, a request for unblocking can be sent to jditechs1@echs.gov.in. However, unblocking is not feasible in the following situations:
- If payment for reprint of a lost card has already been made.
- If data change has already been initiated by the ESM.
- If the card is blocked under “Death of Member,” unblocking requires a special application duly recommended by the Regional Centre and forwarded to CO ECHS.
Key Takeaways for Beneficiaries
- Always select the correct category while blocking a card. Wrong selection can cause unnecessary hardships.
- If a card is lost, block it immediately and apply for a reprint without delay.
- In case of death, submit the death certificate and destroy the old card. The surviving spouse automatically assumes the role of primary beneficiary.
- Dependents must be declared ineligible if income or other conditions change. This ensures compliance and avoids complications later.
- Divorce and remarriage cases require proper documentation and sometimes prior approval from CO ECHS.
- Keep the contact email (jditechs1@echs.gov.in) handy for requesting unblocking in genuine cases.
Conclusion
The latest instructions issued by the Central Organisation ECHS mark an important step in streamlining the process of blocking and unblocking ECHS cards. Veterans and their families must pay careful attention while using the online portal or mobile app to ensure that they select the correct category. Errors not only cause inconvenience but also delay access to vital healthcare services.
By following these guidelines, ESM and their dependents can ensure uninterrupted medical coverage under the ECHS scheme and avoid unnecessary administrative hurdles. It is also important for all polyclinics and Regional Centres to disseminate this information widely so that no veteran or family member faces avoidable difficulties in their time of need.
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