simplification of referral systems under ECHS.

Dear Veterans

There is a provision of revision of guidelines regarding simplification of referral systems under ECHS.

In this referral system, the Veterans age 75 years and above have been permitted to visit any Empanelled Hospitals without referral.

As per the ECHS guidelines the following category veterans have been considered as priority and Special categories which are as below :-

ECHS Beneficiaries as Patients are Categorised as 

i) Priority Treatment 

ii) Special Category 

Below Sections provide the details of the above 

SECTION I - Priority Treatment at PCs 

Priority Treatment will cover from “Reception till Medicine Distribution” 

Following are eligible for Priority Treatment at PCs 

i) All affected eligible persons under PWD Act 2016. (Persons With 

Disability). These patients will be carrying a WHITE ECHS Smart Card 

ii) Battle Casualty & War Wounded or Disabled Veterans. 

iii) Spouses of Battle Casualty & War wounded or Disabled veterans. 

(War Disabled will be endorsed on the smart card of War Disabled 

persons & their spouses) 

iv) Males over 75 years of age. 

v) Females over 70 years of age 

vi) Patients needing urgent medical attention will override all categories to 

reach the MO irrespective of Rank & Age 

SECTION II – Special Category ECHS Beneficiaries 

The following are considered as Special Category ECHS Beneficiaries and will 

have Priority Treatment as applicable 

i. ECHS beneficiaries over 80 years of age. 

ii. Cancer patients. 

iii. Parkinson patients. 

iv. Dementia patients. 

v. Battle casualty and War Disabled persons (amputees). 

vi. PWD Act 1995/2016 covered persons. 

vii. Bedridden/chair bound patients.

I wrote an email to MD ECHS to consider white card holders to visit any Empanelled Hospitals without referral.

The MD ECHS replied that "As no such provision exists with CGHS, the requirement will have to be examined".

Col Raghvir Singh Retd Sir and Col SK Rana Retd Sir,  you both are from TSEWA Group requested to take up this matter from your respective forum so that white card holders are cared and looked after well.

Other effected veterans are also advised to take up this case for the wellness of the disabled and war veterans and their Spouses.