ECHS HANDBOOK

INDEX

SER DESCRIPTION PAGE NO

I. Eligibility Condition 3
II. Contribution 8
III. ECHS Smart Card 9
IV. Treatment And Medicine/ Store Management 10
V. Good to Know 14
VI. Grievance Redressal 16
VII. Resources/ Contact Us 17
VIII. Application/ Smart Card Procedures 18
IX. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 20
X. My ECHS Information 26
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ELIGIBILITY CONDITIONS

1. The scheme caters for Cashless and Capless quality medical care to all
Ex-Servicemen (ESM) pensioners includes disability, family pensioners and their
dependents. It also includes wife/ husband, legitimate children and wholly dependent
parents of the ESM. To be eligible for membership of ECHS, a person must meet
following twin conditions:-

(a) Should have ESM status.

(b) Should be drawing normal service/ disability/ family pension from CDA.

Auth: MoD, DoESW letter No 22(i)/01/US(WE)/D(Res) dt 30 Dec 2002 and

18(17)/2011/US(WE) dt 31 Oct 2012 and letter No 22D(03)/2015/WE/ D(Res) dt
17 Nov 2016.

2. ESM Pensioners. Any personnel who has served in any rank as a combatant
or non- combatant in the regular Army, Navy and Air Force of the Indian Union and
fulfills the following conditions:-

(a) Who has retired from service after earning his/ her pension.

(b) Who has been released from service on medical grounds attributable to
military service or, in circumstances beyond his control, and is in receipt of
medical/ disability pension.

Note:- ESM who are drawing only disability element (without service/ retiring
pension) cannot be considered as pensionary award. Hence, such types of
ESM may not be granted ECHS membership.

Note:- A Recruit who is in receipt of Medical Disability pension is eligible to join

ECHS. The parents, wife and children of a recruit are also eligible for ECHS
benefits. (Auth MoD, DoESW letter No 22D(12)/US(WE)/ D(Res)/2010 dt 04
Mar 2011).

3. Following are also eligible for ECHS membership:-

(a) World War II Veterans, Short Service Commissioned Officers (SSCOs),

Emergency Commissioned Officers (ECOs) & Pre Mature Retirees (ECHS
facility extended only to the ESM and their spouses).

Auth: GoI letter No 17(11)/2018/WE/D (Res-1) dated 07 Mar 2019.

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(b) Territorial Army (TA) Pensioners. It includes following categories of

Territorial Army pensioners:-
Pension holder for continuous embodied service.

(i) Persons with disability attributable to mil service, who meet the
twin eligibility conditions as mentioned at Para 1 above.

(ii) Gallantry Award winners who meet the twin eligibility conditions
as mentioned at Para 1 above.

(c) Defence Security Corps (DSC) pensioners.

(d) Uniformed Indian Coast Guard (ICG) pensioners.

(e) Military Nursing Service (MNS) pensioners.

(f) Special Frontier Force (SFF) pensioners.

(g) Nepal Domiciled Gorkha (NDG) pensioners.

(h) Whole Time NCC Officers of National Cadet Corps (NCC) who are ESM
and in receipt of pension/disability/family pension.

(j) Eligible APS pensioners who were existing 16/32Kb ECHS card holders
prior to 17 Nov 2016 and who finally retired directly from the APS without
reversion to the Dept. of Posts.

(k) Assam Rifles pensioners.

Auth : MoD, DoESW letter No 22(i)/01/US(WE)/D(Res) dt 30 Dec 2002, dt 04 Mar

2011, dt 31 Oct 2012, dt17 Nov 2016, dt 07 Mar 2019, and IHQ of MoD (Army), PS
Dte letter No B/41052/DE/Clarification/AG/PS-5 dt 06 Aug 2018.

4. Family Pensioners.

(a) Implies the legally wedded spouse of an Armed Forces personnel,

whose name figures in the Service Records of the personnel and whose
husband/ wife (as the case may be) has died either while in service or after
retirement and is granted family pension under the pension rules in vogue. This
term also includes a child drawing family pension on the death of his pensioner
father/mother as also NOKs of a deceased bachelor soldier who are in receipt
of family pension.

(b) Parents i.e. mother and father of an unmarried deceased soldier and in
case of deceased parents, the NOK of unmarried deceased soldier are also
eligible, provided they are in receipt of liberalized family pension.

Auth : Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 01 Jun 2006, dt 27

Sep 2017 and dt 16 Nov 2017.
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5. Income Criteria from all Sources for Dependents. Consequent to the

implementation of recommendations of the 7 thPay Commission and revision of income
criteria for dependency of family in the CGHS vide Govt of India, the income criteria
for dependency of family in ECHS also stands revised to Rs 9000/- per month
excluding DA as on the date of consideration.

Auth : Govt of India, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare letter No

S.11012/1/2/2016-CGHS-P dt 08 Nov 2016.

6. Parents.

(a) Father and mother of ESM pensioner shall be deemed to be dependent

if they normally reside with the ESM pensioner and their combined income from
all sources does not exceed Rs 9000/- per month excluding DA thereon.

(b) Parents of the spouse of ESM are not permitted to become members.

(c) In case a widow, who is in receipt of family pension joins the ECHS, then
parents of her late husband can be made dependents.

(d) In case both husband and wife are defence personnel, parents of both
members are eligible if both pay subscription subject to meeting dependency
criteria. As well as in case of female employees, parents or parents-in-law at
her option subject to the conditions of dependency and residence etc. being
satisfied.

(e) If adoptive father has more than one wife, only the first wife is eligible.

(f) Step Parents are not eligible to avail ECHS benefits.

Auth: Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 01 Jun 2006, 27 Sep

2017 and 16 Nov 2017.

7. Spouse.

(a) Legally wedded wife including more than one wife. Spouse living
separately is included as dependent, as long as the ESM pensioner is
responsible for her maintenance. In case spouse remarries, then he/she is not
entitled.

(b) When the spouse is legally separated, he/ she cannot be termed as a
dependent and hence cannot be made member of ECHS.

(c) In the event of plural marriage, where it is permitted by the rules, the
following conditions should be fulfilled for claiming ECHS membership:-

(i) Necessary casualty for entering into plural marriage should have
been published through unit Part II orders and names of both the wives
should be found recorded in the service discharge book/ service
particulars of retired officer’s booklet issued by respective Service HQ.
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(ii) The names of both the wives should be found recorded in the
PPO for grant of family pension award.

(iii) In the case of widows, both wives should be in receipt of a share

of family pension and PPO should be produced in support of evidence.

(iv) If a war widow remarries then she and her children from first
marriage are eligible. Her husband, however, will NOT be eligible.

Auth: Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt 01 Jun 2006, 27 Sep

2017 and16 Nov 2017.

8. Daughter.

(a) Details must exist in the service record of the pensioner.

(b) Unmarried and unemployed daughters are permitted to be included as

dependents.

(c) Widowed/ divorced daughters dependent on the pensioner and residing

with the latter are also permitted to be included. However, minor children of
widowed/separated daughters who are dependent upon the ECHS beneficiary
and normally residing with him shall be eligible upto the age of 18 years only.

Auth: Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dated 01 Jun 2006 and
27 Sep 2017.

9. Mentally/ Physically Handicapped Daughter. Mentally/ physically

handicapped daughter who is unable to earn her livelihood is permitted to be
dependent for life time. It means that ECHS benefits are entitled to dependent
daughter for life time treatment subject to the following eligibility conditions:-

(a) Should be unmarried.

(b) Income should be less than Rs 9000/- per month excluding DA thereon.

(c) Should be normally residing with the primary ECHS beneficiary.

Auth: Central Org ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS dt01 Jun 2006dt27 Sep
2017 and 16 Nov 2017.

10. Son. Son is eligible for ECHS membership till he starts earning or attains the
age of 25 years or gets married, whichever is earlier. A mentally/ physically
handicapped son who is unable to earn his livelihood is permitted to be dependent for
life time. It means that ECHS benefits are entitled to dependent disabled son beyond
25 years of age subject to the following eligibility conditions:-

(a) Should be disabled.

(b) Disability should be 40% and above.

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(c) Should be unmarried.

(d) Income should be less than Rs 9000/- per month excluding DA thereon.

(e) Should be normally residing with the primary ECHS beneficiary.

11. Personnel With Disability Act. Disability should be listed in PWD Act 2016
(List of 21 diseases as per PWD Act 2016 are:- Blindness, Low-vision, Leprosy Cured
persons, Hearing Impairment (deaf and hard of hearing), Loco-motor Disability,
Dwarfism, Intellectual Disability, Mental Illness, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Cerebral
Palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, Chronic Neurological conditions, Specific Learning
Disabilities, Multiple Sclerosis, Speech and Language Disability, Thalassemia,
Hemophilia, Sickle Cell Disease, Multiple Disabilities including deaf, blindness, Acid
Attack Victim and Parkinson’s Disease.

Note : PWD Act 2016 annuls PWD Act 1995. However the benefits extended under
PWD Act 1995 to existing members will continue, even under PWD Act 2016
irrespective of category(Married/ unmarried) subject to applicant meeting the income
criteria Rs 9000/-pm excluding DA thereon.
Auth : MoD, DoESW letter No 18(77)/2017/WE/D(Res-1) dt 18 Sep 2018 and CO
ECHS letter No B/49701-PR/AG/ECHS/2020 dt 14 Jul 2020.

12. Persons Not Eligible under ECHS.

(a) Whole time NCC officers who do not meet the twin conditions of being
an ESM and in receipt of pension.

(b) Legally divorced spouse.

(c) Married and/or employed daughter/ and any child whose total monthly
income from all sources in more than Rs9000/- + DA pm thereon.

(d) Sons above 25 yrs of age or who have started earning or get married
whichever is earlier.

(e) Parents of widows/ war widow.

(f) Husband of a re-married war widow including children born from him.

(g) ESM drawing only disability element (without service/ retiring pension)
cannot be considered as pensioner’s award. Hence, such types of ESM are
ineligible for ECHS facility.

(h) Ex-cadets/ disabled cadets who were boarded out on medical grounds
do not have ESM status. Hence, ECHS facility is not considered.

(j) Step Parents are not eligible for ECHS benefits.

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CONTRIBUTION

13. Contribution and Entitlement.

Ser Rank One time Entitlement

Contribution of Ward
(a) Recruits to Havaldars and equivalent in Navy
Rs 30,000/- General
& AF
(b) Nb Sub/Sub/ Sub Maj or equivalent in
Navy & AF (incl Hony Nb Sub / MACP Nb Sub Semi
Rs 67,000/-
and Hony Lt / Capt) Private

(c) All Officers Rs 1,20,000/- Private

14. Exemption from ECHS Contribution. Following pers are exempted from
payment of ECHS contribution:-

(a) War widows, war disabled pensioners/ BC and their dependents.

(b) Pre 01 Jan 1996 Retirees.

15. Income Tax Exemption. GoI has exempted contribution made under ECHS
under Sec 80D (deduction for premium paid for medical insurance) of the IT Act from
Income Tax. This is applicable from the AY 2019-20 and subsequent assessment
years.

16. Fixed Medical Allowance (FMA). GoI has granted FMA to all ECHS
beneficiaries who are residing in districts not covered by ECHS Polyclinics, Service
hospitals or MI Rooms. Despite being an ECHS member, personnel residing in such
area would be eligible for FMA and IPD treatment. The residence address for this
purpose would be the same as the permanent address mentioned in the PPO. A list
of such districts (revised yearly) for which FMA is admissible, is available on the ECHS
website www.echs.gov.in. It may be noted that ECHS beneficiary drawing FMA would
not be entitled to OPD facility at ECHS Polyclinic and Service hospitals. These
beneficiaries would also not be eligible for referral to empaneled facilities for treatment
in OPD. As and when an ECHS Polyclinic is operationalised in a district, FMA for
ECHS beneficiaries of that district would cease from the following month.

Auth: - Central Organisation letter PC-II to B/49791-FMA/Ag/ECHS dated 11 Jan

19.
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ECHS SMART CARD

17. 64 KB ECHS Smart Cards. All 16 and 32 KB ECHS cards are invalid w.e.f
31 Dec 22. Beneficiaries are being continuously informed to renew their cards and
majority of the beneficiaries have upgraded their cards also.

18. Extension of Validity – Temporary Slips. The validity of system

generated Temporary Slips is now six months. This can be further extended by the
parent Polyclinic for a period of three months at a time, in case the beneficiary does
not receive his card within that period. These temporary slips are to be surrendered
to Oi/C Polyclinic at the time of collection of cards.

Auth: - Central Organisation, ECHS letter B/49711-NewSmartCard/AG/ECHS

dated
30 Aug 19.

19. Transfer of Cards between Polyclinics. ECHS beneficiaries at present

collect Smart Cards at their Parent Polyclinics. However, in certain cases, the
ESM/Beneficiary may have relocated himself/herself and requires the cards to be sent
to another Polyclinic. Post implementation of a new software module, the new ECHS
cards can now be transferred from one Polyclinic to another on request of the
beneficiary. Detailed procedure for transferring cards between Polyclinics is available
on ECHS website.

Auth: - Central Organisation, ECHS letter B/49711-NSC/AG/ECHS dated 28 Jun

21.

20. White Cards. A visually different White Smart Card is being provided to
category of beneficiaries as mentioned below:-

(a) Category.

(i) War Disabled/ Battle Casualty Veterans.

(ii) Spouses of War Disabled/ Battle Casualty Veterans.

(iii) Dependents eligible under Persons with Disability (PWD) Act-16.

(b) Facilities. As per existing provisions, White Card holders are given
priority treatment at all ECHS polyclinics. They enjoy priority in being attended
by a doctor as well as in issuance of medicines at the Polyclinic.
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TREATMENT AND MEDICINE/ STORE MANAGEMENT

21. Treatment in Service Hospitals. All eligible ECHS members (except for those
mentioned at Para 3 are entitled treatment in service hospitals. Service hospitals will
provide them treatment required on a referral basis through the parent polyclinic. They
can also report directly to a service hospital in case of an emergency or even when
the polyclinic is closed or does not exist in a station. The treatment provided to an
ECHS member is subject to the availability of bed, required specialty and diagnostic
facility in the service hospital.

22. Referral to Empanelled Hospital.

(a) Patient will be referred to an empanelled facility if the required facility/

beds are not available in the Service Hospital. ECHS member will be referred
to the empanelled facility of his choice.

(b) A single referral for treatment in the empanelled hospital will be valid for
30 days. Referral for the cases of Cancer will be valid for a period of three
months.

(c) Patient can be referred for indoor treatment, Investigation, day care and
consultation in empanelled hospital, if required facility is not available in the
service hosp.

(d) ECHS smart card with photocopy and referral will be produced at the
hospital reception for availing of the treatment.

(e) In case of a direct emergency admission in an empanelled hospital,

referral must be obtained within 48 hrs from the Polyclinic.

(f) Any payment made by an individual to an Empanelled Hospital in

violation to ECHS policy, cannot be reimbursed to the individual by the ECHS.
Under no circumstances, the payment to the empanelled facility will be done by
an ECHS member.

(g) Hospital Feedback. All empanelled hospitals will present a “Feedback

Form” to ECHS member who will complete it at the time of discharge. The same
will be forwarded to the polyclinic for monitoring the quality of medical care
provided by the hospital.

23. Emergency Treatment.

(a) In an emergency, a patient can directly report to service hospital/ nearest

empanelled hospital/ non empanelled hospital.
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(b) It is responsibility of the ECHS member to intimate to OIC Polyclinic

within 48hr of an emergency admission, settle the hospital expenses and submit
reimbursement claim at polyclinic within 30 days of discharge form the hospital.

(c) Reimbursement will only be allowed for the actual emergency at the
CGHS rate or actual claim whichever is less, irrespective of amount spent by
the individual.

(d) Onus of proving that the treatment was taken for an emergent condition
lies on the ECHS member.

24. Treatment under AYUSH. Govt has authorised treatment under AYUSH
(Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) for all ECHS
beneficiaries. Accordingly, treatment in Govt AYUSH hospitals is permitted on
reimbursement basis at full rates including the cost of prescribed medicines.
Permission has to be taken from Oi/c of the Polyclinic or Director, Regional Centre or
CO ECHS, for a particular disease. However, only one system of treatment is allowed
at any one time and the choice has to be made by the beneficiary prior to
consultation/treatment.

Auth: - Central Organisation letter B/49769/AG/ECHS/Med/Policy dated 04 Sep

2018.

25. Dental Treatment.

(a) Denture will be permitted on the advice of a Dental Officer in the ECHS
Polyclinic/ Service Dental Centre.

(b) Partial/ complete denture presently is permitted only on once in a life

time basis.

26. Dialysis.

(a) Authorised at Service Hospital/ Empanelled Hospital.

(b) Stations where facility of Dialysis doesn’t exist, the dialysis can be
carried out in a non-empanelled hospital. It will be reimbursed at CGHS rate or
amount paid, whichever is less, once in a month.

27. Emergency Investigation in Non-Empanelled Facility. Urgent lifesaving

investigation not available in a service hospital/ empanelled facility can be carried out
in non-empanelled hospital with an urgency certificate by the concerned specialist of
service or empanelled hospital and NA Certificate by the OIC Polyclinic. Claim will be
submitted with above certificate at polyclinic along with other documents as required
for reimbursement of emergency treatment in a non-empanelled.
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28. Treatment in the Govt/ Civil Hospital and an Institute of National Repute.

(a) In order to increase the number of empanelled hospitals and include

Medical Institutions of repute with ECHS, following medical institutes are
deemed to be empaneled with ECHS: -

(i) All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Pan-India.

(ii) Post Graduate Institute, Chandigarh.

(iii) Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute, Lucknow.

(iv) National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences,

Bengaluru.

(v) Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai (for Oncology).

(vi) JIPMER, Puducherry.

(vii) Christian Medical College, Vellore.

(viii) Shankar Netralaya, Chennai.

(ix) All Central and State Medical Hospitals and Colleges.

(b) These hospitals are treated as empanelled hospitals. ECHS

member if referred can avail of an advance up to 80% of cost estimated
expenditure on treatment after sanction of CFA. Remaining 20% of the
expenses will be reimbursed to the individual after submission of the
claim at the polyclinic along with necessary documents.

(c) Advance will be generally provided by the concerned Station HQ where

parent polyclinic is located or where patient is undergoing treatment after taking
approval of CFA.

29. Issue of Medicines/Equipment/Appliances.

(a) Medicines prescribed by a service hospital, empanelled hospital and

polyclinic will be issued to the ECHS member as per the generic name only.

(b) Medicines can normally be prescribed for 30 days and a maximum

period of 90 days if no review is required in the interim period as also depending
upon the availability of medicine. If ECHS beneficiary suffering from chronic
disease is visiting abroad, he/ she will be issued medicines for six months based
on VISA and tickets furnished by the beneficiary to the OIC ECHS PC.

(c) ECHS member is also authorised medicine from outstation polyclinic

during visit to an outstation. However, issue of medicines will be restricted to a
period of 07 days.
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(d) Issue of medical equipment/ appliances like Glucometer, Nebuliser,

Orthopaedic appliances, Hearing Aids, CPAP/BIPAP Machines, Artificial
Limbs and other equipment authorised to ECHS members will be issued
by the parent polyclinic as per the recommendation of the concerned
specialist through the laid down procedure.

(e) (e) If medicines are Not Available (NA) at the dispensary of ECHS PC,
then OIC PC will procure medicines from Authorised Local Chemist (ALC) and
provide the same to the beneficiary within 48-72 hrs. If medicines are NA in
dispensary as well as ALC, then NA will be given on prescription to ECHS
beneficiary based on which the beneficiary can purchase the medicines from
local med store and claim reimbursement. There is no provision for
reimbursement of expenses on medicines purchased by ECHS member
on his own.

30. Traveling Allowance (TA). Traveling allowance is authorised to an ECHS

member as per his entitlement at the time of retirement when referred to an out of
station facility by polyclinic. TA is also authorised for medical attendant when the same
is recommended by the medical authorities.

31. Ambulance Charges. Ambulance service authorised in Polyclinics/ Military

Hospital may be utilized for patients when being referred to Service/Empanelled
Hospital in the same city. However, if ambulance is not provided and Medical Authority
certifies in writing that conveyance of the patient by any other mode would definitely
endanger the life of the patient or involve the risk of serious aggravation of his/her
condition, expenditure incurred on engagement of Ambulance used to convey the
patient will be reimbursed provided that the journey is undertaken within the same city.
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GOOD TO KNOW

32. All ECHS members are provided medical services through Parent Polyclinic in
a station. The ECHS member must always have the following documents with him:-

(a) Contact numbers of OIC Polyclinic/ SO ECHS Station HQ.

(b) A list of documents required for submission to ECHS Polyclinic for re-
imbursement in case of availing an emergency treatment in as non-empanelled
hospital.

(c) List of empanelled facilities in the Station.

(d) Smart Card / valid online Temp slip.

33. Online Facilities.

(a) An ECHS beneficiary can change his parent Polyclinic online once in six
months, in case desired.

(b) Data related to ECHS beneficiary and his/ her dependents can be
amended/ changed online.

(c) There exists an online provision to add dependents after filing necessary
application form which is available online.

(d) In case of loss of cards/ demise of beneficiary, online provisions exist to

block/ reprint the ECHS Card.

(e) Request for extension of hospital stay can be processed online.

(f) Claim related waivers and sanction can be processed online for
reimbursement of all individual claims.

(g) The facility for online uploading of claims for reimbursement with options
of IPD, OPD and pharmacy bills has been enabled on the BPA portal. The status
of the claim is also visible to the beneficiary on the BPA portal.

(h) An NA/ LP of Med Module exist wherein the ECHS Polyclinics can
prepare summary of NA medicines on daily basis and demand the NA
medicines from Authorised Local Chemist (ALC).

34. ECHS Application for Smartphones. ECHS has launched an application

for beneficiaries and is available both on the Google Play Store as well as Apple Store
for android and i-phone users respectively. Status of application, claims and various
other information can be accessed on this app.
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35. Priority for Elderly ECHS Patients. In order to facilitate seamless

consultation/treatment to veterans, ECHS beneficiaries above 75 years of age can
visit Specialist OPDs at Service/Empanelled hospitals without obtaining referral from
ECHS Polyclinics.

Auth: - Central Organisation, ECHS letter B/49774/AG/ECHS/Referral/2020 dated

20 May 20.

36. Disciplinary Action. In case of an incident of misuse of ECHS membership

or misconduct by any member, the Station HQs can conduct an inquiry for
investigating the misuse/ misconduct. If the misuse/ misconduct is of a minor nature,
then the membership of the person can be suspended for a maximum period of six
months. However, if the offence is deemed to be of a serious nature, then the Station
Commander can recommend Central Organisation ECHS to terminate membership
of the individual. The Adjutant General is empowered to terminate ECHS membership
of such beneficiaries.
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GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL

37. In case of grievances, beneficiaries are requested to approach the concerned

Oi/c of the Polyclinic/ Station HQ/ Regional Centre for complaints and their expeditious
resolution in the order. If the issues are not resolved, then complaints can be lodged
as given in succeeding paragraphs.

38. ECHS Beneficiaries have the following options available for seeking redressal
of their grievances:-

(a) Online.

(i) CPGRAMS. Centralised Public Grievances Redressal and

Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), can be accessed on
http://pgportal.gov.in. Grievances related to ECHS are automatically
routed to Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare/ Central Organisation
ECHS.

(ii) E-mail. CMDE ECHS (N) can be reached for addressing any
grievance or litigation on echsdelhi@navy.gov.in. Additionally,
complaints can also be registered by e-mail to the Director (Complaints
and Litigation), Central Organisation on dircomplaints-mod@nic.in.

(b) Helpline. A central Helpline number 1800114115 has been

operationalised by the Central Organisation, ECHS for assistance of Veterans
and can be reached from 0900h to 1700h from Monday to Friday. Similarly,
ECHS (Navy) Cell can be reached on 011-23093196, Mob: 9667325533.

(c) Telephone/ Mobile Numbers. Telephone/ mobile numbers of all

appointments of Central Organisation ECHS, Regional Centres and Polyclinics
are available on the ECHS website.

(d) Post. Grievances are also forwarded on any of the following

addresses:-
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RESOURCES/ CONTACT US
39. Timings of ECHS Polyclinics.

(a) Registration time - 0830hr to 1330hr.

(b) Administrative work - 1430hr to 1600hr.

(c) Closed - On Holidays & Sundays.

40. Facilities Available at the Polyclinic.

(a) Medical and dental care (Medical and Dental Officer).

(b) Consultation by Medical Specialist (Type A, B & C Polyclinic in Mil/ Non

Mil).

(c) Consultation by Gynaecologist (Type A & B in Non Mil).

(d) Lab investigation, X-Ray, Physiotherapy (Type A only).

(e) Issue of medicine and domiciliary medical equipment.

41. Important Websites & emails. There are a number of websites with useful
information concerning our Veterans. A few important ones are as follows:-
(a) www.desw.gov.in and secyesw@nic.in
(b) www.echs.gov.in and mdechs-mod@nic.in and echsdelhi@navy.gov.in
(c) www.ksb.gov.in and secretaryksb@gmail.com
(d) www.pcdapension.nic.in and cd-albd@nic.in
(e) www.pcdanavy.nic.in and pcdapension@nic.in

(f) http://indianarmy.nic.in

(g) www.indiannavy.nic.in

(h) navpen@navy.gov.in and Navpen-navy@nic.in

42. Postal Address.

Director (Complaints and Litigation) Cmde (ECHS-N)

Central Organisation, ECHS Room No – 07
Adjutant General’s Branch Ground Floor
Integrated HQ of MoD (Army) ECHS Office, Talaktora
Maude Lines Annexe Building
Delhi Cantt 110010 New Delhi 110001
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APPLICATION/ SMART CARD PROCEDURES

43. Procedure to apply for 64 KB ECHS Smart Card online :-

(a) Visit www.sourceinfosys.com, register yourself and fill up the online

application form followed by payment procedure under the correct category as
per date of retirement / category of ESMs / Primary Beneficiaries.

(b) Upload Bankers Certificate/DPDO Certificate showing details of pension

being drawn and stoppage of FMA, if applicable.

(c) Upload Copy of MRO, if applicable. (AFVs retired prior to 01 Jan 1996
and battle casualties / war widows are exempted from paying contribution)

(d) Upload Copy of PPO / Pension book and service discharge book
showing details of dependents.

44. Procedure to change parent polyclinic online :-

(a) Login to ECHS website, echs.sourceinfosys.com using login credentials.

(b) Click Home Button> More Option > Change in Polyclinic.
(c) Select the beneficiary whose PC is required to be changed.
(d) Select the new RC and PC out of the dropdown.
(e) Submit the request.

45. Procedure to change data in new 64KB ECHS Smart Card :-

(a) Collect 64Kb ECHS smart card both physically and electronically.
(b) If data needs correction, check his/her online verified application.
(c) If data needs correction and data printed on the card is same as verified
online application.
(d) ESM will login to ECHS website, echs.sourceinfosys.com using his login
credentials.

46. Actions in Case of “Forgotten” Password :-

(a) Open echs.gov.in and click forgotten password.

(b) Select Security questions as entered at the time of application and enter
the correct answers.
(c) Upon entering correct answers, an OTP will be received on the
registered mobile number.
(d) Upon authentication, the reset password tab will open and desired
password can be entered.
(e) Click submit, your password will be resent.

Auth: - Central Organisation, ECHS letter B/49711-NewSmartCard/AG/ECHS

dated 25 Feb 19.
 19

47. Procedure of Processing of ECHS Application - Marital Discord. In case

ESM/Primary Beneficiary does not apply for their ECHS cards due to marital discord
a software solution has been made available. A judicially separated wife is eligible to
apply for ECHS cards for a limited period of one year or till resolution of divorce
whichever is earlier. The same would be renewed in case of status quo beyond a year.
Detailed procedure for application has been uploaded on the ECHS website. The
application procedure for the same is as follows:-

(a) Spouse to apply through DESA (Naval Veterans) with copy of PPO (if
not held by Spouse then same will be provided by DESA)

(b) DESA (Naval Veterans)to verify and forward application to Central

Organisation, ECHS (Ops & Coord Section)

(c) Upon approval of CO, ECHS the spouse will be able to register as
Marital Discord case on the ECHS website.

(d) Individual to login using login credentials and fill the online application
form.

(a) The cards once printed will be forwarded to the Parent Polyclinic.

Auth: - Central Organisation, ECHS letter B/49711-NSC/AG/ECHS dated

30 Sep 21.

Important Note. Please remember that this information Brochure provides only
“General Guidelines” which are subject to amendments from time to time. Exact
details must be obtained from the parent Polyclinic/Station HQ whenever
needed by an ECHS member.
 20

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

Q1. I have an ECHS card but I don’t know whether it is 16KB/ 32b/ 64 kb card?

Ans - (a) If you had applied between 2003 (commencement of scheme) till Apr
2010 and have never upgraded/ re-applied then you have a 16 kb card and the
same would have expired w.e.f 31 Mar 2019.

(b) If you had applied between May 2010 and May 2015, you have 32 kb card.

(c) If you had applied after Jun 2015, you have 64kb card.

Q2. Please tell me the process for filling of online application for ECHS Smart
Card?

Ans - To know the process of online application, please visit our website
www.echs.gov.in – ONLINE SMART VCARD APPLICATION – INSTRUCTIONS.

Q3. What documents do I need to upload for my application?

Ans - Photograph and Signature of all members is required to be attached with each
type of application. However, attachment of documents depends upon the type of
application. A list of documents required to be attached to each type of application is
mentioned below:-

Ser Type of Application Documents required to be uploaded

(a) Future Retiree (i) Receipt of MRO (Only for Coast Guard
personnel)
(ii) Medical Certificate from Service Specialist (In
case of PWD)
(b) Temporary Slip Holder (i) PPO Copy
(ii) Death certificate of ESM (only in case of
demise of ESM)
(iii) Disability Medical Certificate (In case of PWD)
(iv) Old Temporary Slip copy.
(c) Old Card Holder (i) PPO Copy
(ii) Death certificate of ESM (only in case of
demise of ESM)
(iii) Disability Medical Certificate (In case of PWD)
(iv) Old Smart Card.
(d) Death in Service case (i) PPO Copy.
(ii) Death certificate of ESM (only in case of ESM
demise).
(iii) Disability Medical Certificate (In case of PWD).
(iv) Old Smart Card.
 21

(e) Pre 1996 retiree (first time (i) PPO Copy.

applicant (ii) Death certificate of ESM (only in case of
demise of ESM).
(iii) Disability Medical Certificate (In case of PWD).
(iv) DPDO/ Bankers Certificate for non-drawing of
FMA.
(f) 1996 to 2003 retiree (First (i) PPO Copy
time applicant) (ii) Death certificate of ESM (only in case of
demise of ESM).
(iii) Disability Medical Certificate (In case of PWD).
(iv) Receipt of MRO.
(v) DPDO/ Bankers Certificate for non-drawing of
FMA.
(g) Post 2003 retiree not a (i) PPO Copy.
member yet (ii) Death certificate of ESM (only in case of
demise of ESM).
(iii) Disability Medical Certificate (In case of PWD).
(h) Loss of 16 KB Card/ (i) PPO Copy.
Temporary Slip (ii) Death certificate of ESM (only in case of
demise of ESM).
(iii) Disability Medical Certificate (In case of PWD).
 22

Q4. How can I upload the photographs and signatures?

Ans - Detailed instructions regarding uploading of photograph and signature has

been defined in Para 15 to 17 of Part – 1 of Instructions for Online Smart Card available
on the ECHS website.

Q5. Do I need to attach an affidavit for my dependents?

Ans - There is no requirement of attaching affidavit in the online application. A self-

declaration in place of affidavit is placed in the application, which is required to be
accepted by the applicant.

Q6. I have filled my application and uploaded all the documents. How do I
know the status of my application?

Ans - The status of application can be checked by logging on to the website by ECHS
Beneficiary. Status (Observation/Verified/Card printed or dispatched) is shown on
viewing the application.

Q7. I have registered my application in wrong category. How to correct the

category of my application?

Ans - In such cases, these online applications are required to be withdrawn and fresh
application is required to be filled. This can be done online through a software module
available on the ECHS website. Central Organisation letter B/49711-
NSC/AG/ECHS/Withdrawal dated 04 Oct 2021 refers.

Q8. I have erroneously submitted wrong DOB of my spouse. How to correct

my application?

Ans – A facility of Revert Application has been provided in the system, wherein the
primary beneficiary can log-in and change the previously incorrectly filled data. This
facility would be feasible only till such time that the card has not been printed.

Q9. I have applied for a 64 kb card but have not received it yet. What should I
do?

Ans - On application (www.echs.gov.in), the details of all beneficiaries (Individual and

dependents) are verified by the Record Office (DOP OA&R). Thereafter, if there are
no discrepancies/ observations, the application is sent online to M/s Source.com for
printing. In case of any discrepancies/ observations, the same are reflected on the
ECHS website/ ECHS Beneficiary Application and can be viewed/corrected by the
beneficiary on logging in. The status of card displayed on the ECHS beneficiary’s
application page is one of the three as mentioned below:-

(a) Observation: - There are discrepancies in the details furnished by the

applicant as per the record held and requires correction.

(Action: Beneficiary should reconcile the error/discrepancy and resubmit application

at the earliest)
 23

(b) Verified: - The application is verified and printing of cards is awaited.

(Action: Await SMS notification for collection of card from Polyclinic)

(c) Card Printed/ Dispatched: - The card is printed and dispatched to Station
Headquarters/ Parent Polyclinic.

(Action: On receipt of SMS, collect card on production of documents (PPO, Form

26AS for dependents, etc))

Q10. I have proffered a claim for X amount however the amount sanctioned is
less than the amount claimed?

Ans - Treatment in empanelled hospitals for ECHS/ dependents is cashless and no

money needs to be paid to the hospital. In case of emergencies, treatment/ procedures
undertaken in non-empanelled hospitals is reimbursed at the rates governed by CGHS
only irrespective of the amount paid to the hospital. CGHS rates are governed by GoI
which are periodically updated on the ECHS website. Progress and current status of
claims is available in real time on ECHS website/ Application.

In certain cases, claims exceeding CGHS rates may be recommended by the

respective Director RC to the Central Organisation, ECHS for consideration by a High
Powered Committee (HPC) which considers such claims on a case to case basis. HPC
is chaired by Joint Secretary, ESW with members being Director, DoESW, Specialist
Doctor (Govt Hospital), Director (Medical), Central Organisation, ECHS and
Representative of MoD (Fin/Pension).

Q11. Can all beneficiaries avail the direct specialist OPDs facility at Service/
Empanelled Hospitals?

Ans - No, only ECHS beneficiaries above 75 years of age can visit specialist OPDs at
Service/ Empanelled Hospitals without obtaining referral from ECHS Polyclinics. All
others are required to obtain referral from the Polyclinic to which they are attached to.

Q12. I had applied for 04 ECHS cards but all cards are not received?

Ans - In some cases, Record Office verifies the details for those beneficiaries whose
details are correct as per data held with the office and remainder applicants of that
particular application are placed under observation view discrepancies in the details
furnished by the applicant. Applicant may check their details on ECHS website/
Application for any Observation and correct/reconcile the observations and re-submit
the application online. Handholding of veterans is being undertaken at all Polyclinics.
 24

Q13. I am a 1992 retiree and have applied for the online ECHS Smart Card and
have also made the payment. However, I haven’t received the online generated
Temporary Slip. I am in need of emergency treatment. What should I do?

Ans - (a) In the online Smart Card Application following downloads are being
provided after successful completion of application and payment.

(i) Filled Application (only for Record Purpose of Applicant)

(ii) Temporary slips (for availing ECHS facilities).

(b) Filled application is being provided to every applicant, however,

Temporary Slip is being provided only to following category of applicants:-

(i) Future Retirees.

(iii) Old Temporary Slip Holders.

(iv) Death in service Cases.

(v) Loss of 32 Kb Card cases (only for whom new card has been
applied).

(c) Temporary slips are not being generated for the first time applicants like,
Pre 1996 retire, 1996 to Mar 2003 retiree and Post Apr 2003 retiree not a
member yet. Once, their online applications are verified from their Record
Offices they will receive an SMS and after that temporary slip will be provided
which can be used for availing ECHS facilities.

(d) In case of emergency, you can approach ECHS Regional Centre or

Station HQ for issue of temporary slip.

Q14. How can I find out the expiry date of my ECHS card?

Ans - Date of membership is printed on the card against the field DOM. This date is
also the date of issue of the card. Cards expire on completion of 10 years.

Q15. What would happen if the card is not delivered in time? There are already
mails expecting delays in verification due to work load at records and service
HQ?

Ans - Temporary slips are valid for a period of six months. Validity of the online
generated Temporary slips can be extended further by Oi/c Polyclinics, which can be
utilized for availing ECHS facility, in case cards are not received within six months of
verification by Record Office.
 25

Q16. Whom should I approach in case the ECHS card is not issued to me in the
prescribed time?

Ans – The status of the card can be tracked by logging in on ECHS website or ECHS
Beneficiary Application. Discrepancies, if any, may be resolved by the beneficiary at
the earliest. Following can be contacted for resolving issues as the case may be:-

(a) In case application pending for verification contact to your Record office,
contact details of Record office are available on ECHS website.

(b) In case verified, but card has not been printed, beneficiary can contact
any of the following Helpline numbers:-

(i) 011-25682870
(ii) 1800-114-115

(c) If the beneficiary is still not satisfied or the issue has not been resolved,
an e-mail describing the issue can be sent on the following IDs:-

(i) jditechs1@echs.gov.in
(ii) jditechs-mod@nic.in

Q17. What should I do if I lose my ECHS card?

Ans - In case ECHS card is lost, the beneficiary should immediately login on ECHS
website (www.echs.gov.in) and apply for re-issue of Card after making the payment
online. The old Card will automatically get blocked. The new Card will be printed and
forwarded to Station Headquarters/ Parent Polyclinic. The beneficiary may also
download online Temporary slip and get it countersigned from the Oi/C of parent
polyclinic to continue getting entitled medical cover.

Q18. What should I do if the details on the card viz. name, date of birth,
entitlement etc. are wrong?

Ans - The beneficiary may login on ECHS website echs.gov.in by using login
credentials and apply for change of data. An auto populated application will open and
beneficiary can carry out required changes and upload the application by clicking
check box “I agree” and save the application. Make necessary payment online and
wait for verification by Record office. After verification, the card will be sent for printing.
In the interim, a Ty-Slip can be printed and used in lieu of card.
Q19. Is there a colour scheme for plastic cards? What are they?
Ans - There are following types of cards:-
(a) ECHS Normal Card
(b) PMR & SSCO
(c) White Card – White in colour (for PWD Disable)

(i) War Disabilities Card

(ii) EC & WW II Suitably printed on the card
 26

MY ECHS INFORMATION
Beneficiaries are requested to fill in the following details for ready reference:-

SER FIELD NAME/ CONTACT NO.

DETAILS
1. My ECHS Card Number
2. Name of Primary
Beneficiary
3. Registered Mobile Number
4. Parent Polyclinic
5. Station HQ
6. Regional Centre
7.

8.

9.

10.