Govt extends ECHS benefits to cadets medically boarded out of training

According to the Defence Ministry, affected cadets will be entitled to free OPD services at ECHS polyclinics, as well as cashless OPD, IPD and investigations at empanelled hospitals

In a relief measure for families of cadets who suffer disabilities during military training, the government has approved the extension of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) benefits to officer cadets medically boarded out before completing their course.

Cadets who join institutions such as the NDA, OTA and IMA with the aspiration to serve the nation often suffer lifelong disabilities but are currently not eligible for ECHS as they are not granted ex-servicemen status. The new measure will cover cadets who are invalidated from training on medical grounds attributable to, or aggravated by, military training, and will also apply to future cases.

According to the Defence Ministry, affected cadets will be entitled to free OPD services at ECHS polyclinics, as well as cashless OPD, IPD and investigations at empanelled hospitals. The facility will be available only to the cadet, who must apply for membership under the scheme, but will not be charged the one-time subscription fee of Rs 1.20 lakh applicable to officers. Beneficiaries should also not be members of any other government health scheme, it added.

Though only a small number of cadets are affected each year, officials said the financial and emotional burden on their families is significant. Presently, such cadets receive a monthly ex-gratia payment along with a disability award depending on the severity of disability. With the new approval, they will now be eligible for comprehensive cashless and capless healthcare under ECHS.

Launched in 2003, the ECHS currently serves around 63 lakh beneficiaries through 30 regional centres, 448 polyclinics and more than 3,000 empanelled hospitals across the country.