AFVOA Newletters of Year 2004

Page 50 of 153 procedures. For example, Harvey Heart Foundation is empanelled for “cardiac treatment”, while Sri Ramachandra Hospital is empanelled for “general treatment”. This leaves a large grey area where there is ample scope for a member to face avoidable harassment/pressure to pay cash for unspecified services etc. It seems obvious that “general” treatment includes everything that is available under the roof at Sri Ramachandra Hospital, but is this true or not, needs clarification. 26. The scope of the facilities that a member of the ECHS can avail at any such empanelled facility needs to be clearly set out in black and white, so as to avoid obvious problems. Response: 27. a) As an interim procedure. CGHS/Railway Hospitals empanelled. b) Issue already noted for implementation while empanelling hospitals for ECHS War widows 28. It is mentioned at page 5, Para b(v) of the ECHS Brochure issued by Army HQ in Jan 2004 that “If a war widow remarries then only she is eligible……..” 29. For clarity, the above may be modified to read “Upon re-marriage, a war widow will continue to be eligible for treatment for life under the ECHS, but not her husband after re- marriage”. Response: 30. Suggestion noted Membership - ESMs retiring after 01 Apr 2003 31. It is understood that ECHS membership contributions in respect of those retiring after 01 Apr 2003 are being deducted at source prior to retirement and the fact mentioned in the PPOs. Since “smart cards” are yet to be issued, these ESMs do not have a proof of membership unlike earlier pensioners who have the copy of the MRO and the Regional Centre acknowledgement. This may lead to problems when they need treatment. 32. It is suggested that for ESM retiring after 01 Apr 2003, an appropriate form of proof may be specified that entitles them for treatment. This may be a copy of the PPO which specifies that the ECHS deduction has been effected. Response: 33 . (a) Deductions at source commenced wet Jul 03. Instructions issued that ESM will be provided treatment on production of PPO (b) We must advise ESMs to fill membership forms and obtain membership receipt/card. Forms issued after 01 Jan 2004 34. Forms for membership of the ECHS that are in force after 01 Jan 2004 require the ESM to have the medical history sheets endorsed by the Unit Medical Officers at the time of the release medical board. In respect of a number of ESM, these forms have been received after retirement at the selected place of residence which may or may not be co –located with the units where the ESMs served last. Thus, the Unit MOs are rightly refusing to endorse the entries in the Medical History Sheet.