AFVOA Newletters of Year 2003

Page 107 of 170 71. The ECHS scheme is a major venture and this medicare concept is being attempted for the first time at an all India level. It is but natural that such a scheme will take time to emerge on ground, through newly constructed and equipped Polyclinic buildings. In fact construction of buildings, purchase of medical equipment/medicines, vehicles, generators, employment of medical/non-medical staff will take time. Therefore, there will be a minimum period required for stabilisation of ECHS. In the interim, provisions are being made to ensure to that ESM joining the scheme are able to use its benefits. 72. A road map has been charted out for progressive build up of ECHS assets within a span of five years as per GOI letter, ie, by 31 Mar 2008, which is also linked to the progressive release of funds by MOD. The Polyclinics where construction work is planned to commence in FY 2003 – 04, is at 62 Polyclinics in military stations and at 33 non-military stations. 73. There is no doubt that the ECHS is a very forward looking and comprehensive medicare scheme, which will go a long way in providing succour to the numerous ex- servicemen pensioners who retire each year. It caters for all types of diseases and conditions that can afflict aged persons, as also covers problems related to the younger age dependants. 74. This scheme is definitely in the interest of ex-service pensioners and, through the means of this Brief and through media, it is hoped that ESM will seize the opportunity to enrol well before the cut off date. PART 8 Important Information 75. Some important information for pensioners/widows is summarised:- (a) To become an ECHS Member an initial contribution as per laid down rates in mandatory. Thereafter, no payment is to be made for any medicines or treatment provided under the scheme. (b) There is no restriction on the type of disease to be treated, or medicine to be provided, to an ECHS Member within the ECHS rules. (c) An ECHS member can opt for a single ECHS Smart Card for him/herself and all dependants, or one for him/herself and a maximum of two add-on cards for his/her dependants. As the scheme stabilizes we may permit a separate card for each dependant. (d) All cards will mandatorily carry fingerprints of the member and his/her entitled dependants. (e) It is mandatory to produce the ECHS Smart Card for every visit to a Polyclinic. Without the Card, the computer at the Polyclinic will not activate the patients’ record/data, and member/dependant will be denied treatment, except in emergency. In case a card is lost, immediately inform the issuing Station HQ/Regional Centre. (f) Referral to empanelled Civil Hospital/Diagnostic Centre/Consultant, or Service Hospital, can only be made by Polyclinic Doctor(s). ECHS Members are NOT permitted to go directly to any of above. (g) Patients who are referred by the Polyclinic doctor(s) to a Service Hospital or to an empanelled facility, must carry their membership Smart Card and the Polyclinics Referral Card. Without these they will NOT be entertained by the Service Hospital or the empanelled facility. (h) No payment to be made by members for treatment (within rate contract concluded with Hospitals/Diagnostic Centres), or for medicines - that will be done by ECHS. (Hospital Stoppages/Dietary charges will be paid by the patient). Since members are not required to