Ludhiana, May 24
To provide medicare services to ex-servicemen and their families in the district and to address their key concerns during their post-retirement stage, two schemes including ex-servicemen contributory health scheme, (ECHS) and ex-servicemen, helpline were inaugurated here today by Lt-Gen. P.K. Singh, G-O-C, Vajra Corps at a function organised by Station Commander, Ludhiana Military Station.
The ECHS polyclinic has been established at the existing Central MI room complex at the camping group near the Jagraon bridge.
Talking to mediapersons, General Singh said the polyclinic was being equipped with modern equipment and medical officers and paramedical staff from different disciplines were already employed there. He added that the process to empanel a number of reputed hospitals in the city was at the final stage. ECHS envisages life-long medical cover for the members and dependents through the payment of one-time contribution proportionate to their monthly basic pension.
Under a single window concept, ESM Helpline is an attempt to render advice to ex-servicemen on a large number of issues related to problems of pension, canteen facilities, admission of children to various educational institutions, contacting their wards posted at the field and difficult areas. The Helpline is located at the Dholewal Military Complex.
Officials said a one-time contribution ranging from Rs 1,800 to the highest slab of Rs 18,000 depending upon the pension being drawn would ensure total medical cover to the entitled categories of ex-servicemen without any condition on age, disease or type of treatment.
They said the scheme was made compulsory for the ex-servicemen availing pension after April 1, 2002. The amount to be paid by ex-servicemen would to be paid in three instalments also and anyone who applied would have to attach a copy of the discharge book and the ID card along with the affidavit.
The ex-servicemen would have to make an initial lumpsum payment, adding that those getting monthly pension of Rs 1500 to Rs 3001 to 5000, Rs 5001 to 7500, Rs 7500, Rs 7501 and above would have to pay Rs 1800, Rs 4800, Rs 8400, Rs 12000 and Rs 18000 respectively, for availing the facilities under this scheme.
