The defence ministry has approved six hospitals for empanelment with the Ex Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to offer cashless medical treatment to valiant veterans who selflessly served the nation.

The new Health Care Organisations (HCOs) include Punjabrao Deshmukh Memorial Medical College Hospital & Research Centre at Amravati, Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital at Wardha, National Cancer Institute, Shri Bhavani Multispeciality Hospital & Research Institute, Lotus Hospital and Research Centre and Oke Eye Hospital at Nagpur. The empanelled hospitals have been chosen for their state-of-the-art facilities, specialized departments and experienced medical professionals.

The empanelled HCOs at Amravati and Wardha are expected to mitigate hardships to the ESM who otherwise had to travel to Nagpur for quality healthcare. The collaboration aims to ensure that ESMs receive the best possible medical care and attention, acknowledging their invaluable contributions to the nation.

Cashless treatment will help ECHS members have access to quality healthcare without worrying about the financial implications.

“This noble initiative by HCO's will not only addresses the healthcare needs of our ESM but also recognizes their sacrifices and unwavering commitment to our nation,” according to a statement by MoD, Nagpur.

“The approval by MoD is subject to these hospitals signing MoA along with PBG with Regional Centre, ECHS (RC ECHS) Nagpur after which the referral /treatment can be commenced. Also talks are on with other reputed hospitals for extending their services to ECHS members. Interested HCOs can mail to RC ECHS at dirrcnagpur@echs.gov.in which will facilitate them on the guidelines,” it said.