ECHS Benefits To Cadets that have been medically invalidated

The extension of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to cadets who are medically boarded out during their training due to injury or exacerbation of disability because of military training has been approved by the Union government. The decision offers vital medical and financial assistance to cadets in institutions such as the NDA, IMA, and OTA who were previously denied it because they did not have ex-servicemen status

Background

Cadets who are highly trained may experience extreme physical difficulties. Those that lose their status on medical grounds also previously could not obtain ECHS coverage, and families had to pay high treatment expenses. The new approval acknowledges the sacrifice they make and meets the long-term medical requirements.

Scope and Eligibility

• Covers cadets who have been boarded out because of disabilities associated with training.
• Membership is optional; the cadets can not be members of another government health scheme.
• No lump sum charge (as with regular members) of Rs1.2 lakh.
• Benefits are individual and non transferable.

Benefits Under ECHS

Cadets who are eligible will get:

• Unlimited and cashless care in 448 polyclinics and at 3000+ empanelled hospitals.
• Complimentary OPD and IPD treatment, diagnostic test, and operations.
• Remission of excessive health insurance costs of incurable conditions.

Existing Relief Measures

Now invalidated cadets receive ex-gratia payments monthly (in amounts of 20-100%) and disability awards. The ECHS extension now boosts their financial assistance with a wholesome healthcare to guarantee improved rehabilitation.

About ECHS

ECHS was launched in 2003 and covers 63 lakh beneficiaries such as veterans and dependents. This ruling extends its coverage to young cadets who have become disabled in the course of training, a major milestone in terms of veteran and trainee welfare.