News

Volume 3 Issue 15 - August 01, 2005

War disabled pensioners to get free medical care

D.N.I.S. News Network – In a decision that will directly benefit 6,000 war-disabled pensioners, the Union Cabinet has given the go ahead to a proposal to exempt them from mandatory contributions to receive medical care under Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (E.C.H.S.).

The exemption will be from payment of contribution under the E.C.H.S. to those who were disabled due to injuries received during proclaimed wars or any other encounters that had been specifically accorded such status. The decision seeks to provide comprehensive medical care to around 6,000 war disabled pensioners and their dependents free of cost.

The Cabinet Committee on Security (C.C.S.), in its meeting held on October 16, 2002, had considered the note from the Ministry of Defence for providing comprehensive medical care to ex-servicemen, war widows and their dependents and approved the proposal for introduction of the E.C.H.S.

The E.C.H.S. is a contributory health scheme on the pattern of the Central Government Health Scheme. The contribution under it varies from Rs. 1, 800 to Rs.18, 000, depending on the pension/family pension.