The aim of ECHS is to provide quality medical care to Ex-Servicemen pensioners and their dependents for all known diseases. The scheme is financed by the Government of India and is managed through the existing infrastructure of the Armed Forces and empanelled private hospitals.
The history of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme dates back to 2002, when the Government approved the scheme based on the need to establish a comprehensive Medi-care system for the retirees of the Armed Forces. The scheme was Operationalized in 2003 and has undergone several changes and improvements over the years.
The scheme grants membership eligibility to all Ex-Servicemen (ESM) receiving a pension from the Controller of Defence Accounts, including those receiving Disability/Family Pension and their dependents. Membership became mandatory for all pensioners starting from April 1, 2003, and is optional for those who retired earlier. Over time, the scope of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme membership has expanded to include pensioners from various groups, such as the Military Nursing Service (MNS), Whole-time NCC Officers, Defence Security Corps (DSC),Territorial Army (TA), Uniformed Indian Coast Guard (ICG), Nepal Domiciled Gorkha (NDG), Special Frontier Force (SFF), eligible Army Postal Service (APS) pensioners, Assam Rifles pensioners, World War (WW) II Veterans, Emergency Commissioned Officers (ECOs), Short Service Commission Officers (SSCOs), and Pre-Mature Retirees.
The facilities of Ex-Servicemen contributary health scheme include outpatient and inpatient treatment, investigations and diagnostic tests, medicines and consumables, dental treatment, physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, and AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa, and Homeopathy) treatment. The scheme also provides emergency treatment at any hospital, subject to reimbursement as per Ex-Servicemen contributary health rules.
FAQ ECHS
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on Ex-Servicemen contributary health scheme and their answers:
Q: What is the full form of ECHS?
A: ECHS full form is Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme.
Q: What is ECHS?
A: Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme is a social welfare scheme initiated in 2003 by the Department of Ex-servicemen Welfare under the Ministry of Defence. It provides medical care to ex-servicemen pensioners and their dependents through a network of polyclinics, service hospitals, government hospitals, and empanelled private hospitals.
Q: Who is eligible for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme?
A: All ex-servicemen drawing pension or family pension from the Defence Budget and their eligible dependents, including spouse, parents, children, and unmarried siblings, are eligible for ECHS membership.
Q: How to apply for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme health membership?
A: Ex-servicemen can apply for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme membership by filling out an online application form available on the ECHS website. The completed form, along with the required documents and contribution fee, should be submitted to the nearest Station Headquarters (Stn HQ). Details about the fee structure and required documents can be found on the ECHS website.
Q: What are the benefits of ECHS membership?
A: Ex-Servicemen contributary health members can enjoy various benefits, including outpatient and inpatient treatment, investigations, diagnostic tests, prescribed medicines, dental treatment, physiotherapy, rehabilitation services, and AYUSH treatment. Emergency treatment at any hospital is also available, subject to reimbursement as per ECHS rules.
Q: How to avail ECHS services?
A: To avail Ex-Servicemen contributary health services, members need to visit the nearest ECHS polyclinic with their ECHS smart card and identity proof. The polyclinic will provide necessary consultations, investigations, medicines, and referrals. Members can also visit service hospitals directly if they are within the polyclinic’s catchment area. For treatment at Empanelled private hospitals, a referral from the ECHS polyclinic or service hospital, along with the ECHS smart card and identity proof, is required. Empanelled hospitals will provide cashless treatment as per approved rates and procedures.
Q: What is the contribution Fee for ECHS ?
A: The contribution fee for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme membership depends on the rank and the type of membership (one-time or lifetime) of the ex-servicemen. The fee ranges from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1,20,000.The contribution fee is a one-time payment that entitles you to lifelong medical benefits under the ECHS scheme. The fee is revised from time to time by the Government of India based on the cost of medical care and inflation.
| Ser | Rank | One-time Contribution | Ward Entitlement |
| (a) | Recruit to Hav’s & equivalent in Navy & AF | Rs 30,000/- | General |
| (b) | Nb Sub/Sub/Sub Maj or equivalent in Navy & AF | Rs 67,000/- | Semi Private |
| (c) | All Offrs & equivalent in Navy & AF | Rs 1,20,000/- | Private |
Q: How to do ECHS Log In?
A: For ECHS Login , visit the official website and locate the log-in section at the top right corner. Enter your registered username and password, then click on the “Log In” button to access your account dashboard. If you encounter any issues with logging in, use the provided options on the website to reset your password or recover your username. For more information and access to the ECHS website, please visit https://echs.sourceinfosys.com/. Always remember to log out, especially when using shared or public computers, to ensure the security of your ECHS account.
Q: What is ECHS Card ?
A : ECHS Card is a smart card that enables ex-servicemen and their dependents to avail medical benefits under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme.
Q: How to check your ECHS Card status ?
A: To check your Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme card status, you can follow these steps:
- Visit the official ECHS website and click on the “Online Application” or “ECHS Card Status” section.
- Enter your service number, card number, and captcha code in the fields provided and click on the “Submit” button.
- You will see your ECHS card status on the screen. You will also receive SMS notifications on your registered mobile number regarding your card generation and dispatch.
- you can also check your Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme card status on the ECHS mobile app. You can download the app from the Google Play Store and enter your registered mobile number or ECHS application number to view your card status
Q: How To check ECHS claim status?
A: How to Check ECHS Claim Status, Step-by-Step Guide:
Option I: Using the Bill Processing Agency for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme
- Visit the Website: Open your web browser and go to the website of the Bill Processing Agency or BPA for Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme at https://www.echsbpa.utiitsl.com/ECHS/BeneficiaryStatus.jsp
- Enter Details: Fill in the required information:
- Your service number
- Fill criteria Either Card ID or Claim ID
- ECHS card number/ Claim No
- Captcha code (as displayed)
- Click Submit
- After you have filled the above details, click on submit button. Allow the system a moment to process your request.
- View Claim Status:
- The system will display your ECHS claim status, under useful link. providing you with the information you’re looking for. Option II: Using the ECHS Official Website : Visit Official Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme website and click on Important Links, select claim status and follow the above mentioned steps again.
