FYIThe functioning of ECHS Polyclinic Dundahera, Gurugram (under AOR of RC ECHS Delhi-1) deserves special appreciation for its veteran-centric and humane approach in medicine issuance. By providing prescribed medicines for 60 days and ensuring the timely facilitation of "Not Available" medicines for the full prescribed period, the Polyclinic has established a commendable benchmark in healthcare delivery under ECHS. This practice not only minimises repeated visits by veterans and their dependents-thus reducing time, effort, and financial burden-but also upholds the health, dignity, and welfare of the ex-servicemen community. A notable instance is that of a veteran (White Card holder) residing in Gurugram, Haryana (Delhi NCR)-an area not categorised under hilly or exceptional terrains such as J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, or the North Eastern states. The Dundahera Polyclinic's initiative clearly demonstrates that such facilitation is both practical and implementable even in plain areas. This best practice should, therefore, be standardised and uniformly implemented across all ECHS Polyclinics nationwide, ensuring equitable, standardised, and hassle-free healthcare access for every veteran and their family members.
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Dear Sir1. Please refer to trial mail below.2. Emergency medicines can be issued upto max of 15 days by PC outside the AOR. However, dependent PCs can issue upto a max of 03 months if veteran is proceeding outstation.3. It is not understood which PC the veteran has visited in hyderabad. You are requested to intimate the same to veteran accordingly.From: "Col Manoj Uniyal" <dirrck...@echs.gov.in>
To: "Col Pattiarimal Zoheb" <dirrchy...@echs.gov.in>
Cc: helplin...@gmail.com, "oic echspolyclinicmedinipur" <oic.echspolyc...@gamil.com>, "MAJ GEN M NATARAJAN" <mdech...@nic.in>
Sent: Monday, September 8, 2025 3:50:45 PM
Subject: Fwd: Re: Issuance of 60 days Medicines1. Grievance received from the ECHS beneficiary is fwd herewith.2. For your info and necessary action pl.============ Forwarded message ============
From: <helplin...@gmail.com>
To: <veteranshe...@gmail.com>
Cc: <oic.echspolyc...@gamil.com>, "Col Manoj Uniyal"<dirrck...@echs.gov.in>, "MAJ GEN M NATARAJAN"<mdech...@nic.in>, <mde...@yahoo.com>
Date: Sat, 06 Sep 2025 17:51:22 +0530
Subject: Re: Issuance of 60 days Medicines
============ Forwarded message ============Subject: Request for Advance Issue of Medicines on Compassionate Grounds
Sir,
I am a cardiac patient with multiple health conditions.
I had submitted a request to the OIC, Polyclinic Midnapur, for the issue of two months’ medicines—one for the current month (August) and one month in advance (September 2025)—as I need to travel to Hyderabad to support my son, who is unwell and recently re-employed in a American Bank (Wels Frego).
However, the OIC informed me that only limited medicines are issued and declined my request for two months’ supply, advising instead to transfer my ECHS card to Hyderabad.
This is not a fair solution for beneficiaries, as such transfer takes up to three months to revert back to the parent Polyclinic.
Today, when I visited ECHS Polyclinic Hyderabad, the OIC stated that they can only provide seven days of emergency medicines to outside beneficiaries.
In view of the above, I most humbly request your kind intervention to instruct the concerned OIC to issue one month of advance medicines in such emergency cases on extreme compassionate grounds, as is being practiced by several other Polyclinics across India.
With due regards,
Janendra Kumar Sahoo
Card No KL 000001070955
On Sat, Sep 6, 2025 at 10:06 AM Helping Hands For Veterans <veteranshe...@gmail.com> wrote:
FYIThe functioning of ECHS Polyclinic Dundahera, Gurugram (under AOR of RC ECHS Delhi-1) deserves special appreciation for its veteran-centric and humane approach in medicine issuance. By providing prescribed medicines for 60 days and ensuring the timely facilitation of "Not Available" medicines for the full prescribed period, the Polyclinic has established a commendable benchmark in healthcare delivery under ECHS. This practice not only minimises repeated visits by veterans and their dependents-thus reducing time, effort, and financial burden-but also upholds the health, dignity, and welfare of the ex-servicemen community. A notable instance is that of a veteran (White Card holder) residing in Gurugram, Haryana (Delhi NCR)-an area not categorised under hilly or exceptional terrains such as J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, or the North Eastern states. The Dundahera Polyclinic's initiative clearly demonstrates that such facilitation is both practical and implementable even in plain areas. This best practice should, therefore, be standardised and uniformly implemented across all ECHS Polyclinics nationwide, ensuring equitable, standardised, and hassle-free healthcare access for every veteran and their family members.
Please get in touch with Brig C.S. Vidyasagar (Retd) and his dedicated team from Secunderabad, who have formed an association committed to supporting veterans. They are experienced and proactive in addressing various veteran-related concerns and will definitely be able to assist you.
Contact Details:
Brig C.S. Vidyasagar (Retd): +91 94931 91380 | csvidy...@gmail.com
Lt Col G. Parvathesam (Retd): +91 94909 41822 | tsew...@gmail.com
Additional Team Members:
You may also reach out to Wg Cdr A B Bhushan (Retd) at +91 98480 48651. He is 83 years old and still fully dedicated to helping veterans. He is currently volunteering at ECHS Polyclinic, Secunderabad.
Jai Hind!
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The standardisation of key processes within the ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) is essential to improve efficiency, enhance beneficiary satisfaction, and ensure timely and equitable access to healthcare. Two critical components of this initiative are the issuance of 60-day medicines and the reimbursement mechanism for non-available medicines.
(a) 60-Day Medicine Issuance
The issuance of medicines for a 60-day period, particularly for veterans with chronic illnesses or those of advanced age, carries significant advantages:
(b) Reimbursement for Non-Available Medicines
In instances where prescribed medicines are not available at ECHS facilities, a streamlined reimbursement mechanism ensures that beneficiaries can procure medicines from outside sources without delay. Key benefits include:
(c) Systemic Benefits
Together, these measures contribute to systemic improvements across the ECHS framework:
In conclusion, the adoption of 60-day medicine issuance and a robust reimbursement process for non-available medicines is a strategic and compassionate step forward. It not only ensures continuity and quality of care for veterans but also strengthens the operational efficiency and credibility of the ECHS system.
5. In light of the above, I respectfully urge your esteemed office to kindly consider this best practice for urgent policy-level standardisation across all ECHS Polyclinics, thereby ensuring uniform access to this facility for all ECHS beneficiaries across India.
With utmost respect and warm regards,
-sd-
......................................................
.......................................................
ईसीएचएस प्राथमिक लाभार्थी / ECHS Primary
Beneficiary
......................
...................................
Enclosures: As stated
The ECHS Central Drug List (ECDL) 2024 includes only 2220 medicines. ECHS doctors are permitted to prescribe medicines strictly from this approved list. Currently, there is a restriction in the ECHS system that prevents doctors from prescribing medicines beyond those included in the ECDL, even if such medicines are considered essential for a patient’s treatment.Is any ECHS beneficiary currently receiving a medicine—prescribed by a specialist from an empanelled or service hospital—that is not listed in the CDL but is considered essential for treatment?If yes, kindly share your experience and the process followed for obtaining such medicines under ECHS guidelines
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Dear Sir,
Congratulations on receiving 60 days of medicines — a commendable and patient-friendly initiative. I sincerely appreciate the efforts of the ECHS Polyclinic Khadki team in implementing this best practice, similar to that being followed at ECHS Polyclinic Dundahera (AOR RC ECHS Delhi-1).
Please clarify whether reimbursement claims for not-available medicines for 60 days are also permitted under this initiative, as is the case at ECHS Polyclinic Dundahera.
With respect and regards,
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The adoption of a veteran-centric approach by ECHS Polyclinic Khadki—following the exemplary model set by ECHS Polyclinic Dundahera—is a clear and compelling indicator that such initiatives are both practical and scalable across regions. This success story demonstrates that high-quality, compassionate care for veterans need not be confined to select locations. Instead, it sets a strong precedent for broader implementation.
With multiple polyclinics now successfully operating under this model, the case for nationwide standardisation is not just evident—it is imperative. Ensuring that all veterans, regardless of their geographic location, have equitable, timely, and dignified access to essential healthcare services is not merely an aspiration but a responsibility that must be acted upon without delay.
Prescription in generic names only
ECHS policy requires that medicines prescribed by a Service Hospital, Empanelled Hospital and Polyclinic be by generic name only. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter+1
Medicines issue duration at parent polyclinic
Normally, medicines at the parent polyclinic can be issued for 30 days in one go. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter+1
With review-not-required justification, that can be extended up to 90 days for chronic cases. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter+1
Issue duration at “outstation / non-parent polyclinic”
When ECHS beneficiary is visiting an outstation polyclinic, issue is restricted. In the 2024 Handbook, medicines from outstation polyclinic are limited to 15 days for a visit. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter
An earlier limit was 7 days in older versions, but that has since been updated. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter+1
What happens when medicines are Not Available (NA)
If a medicine is not available at the ECHS polyclinic dispensary, the Officer in Charge (OiC) of the Polyclinic can procure it from an Authorised Local Chemist (ALC) and provide to the beneficiary. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter
If it is not in stock at both the Polyclinic and ALC, then an “NA Certificate” may be issued on prescription, whereby the beneficiary can purchase it from the open (local) market and claim reimbursement. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter
Financial / Value limits & updated durations
There was a modification approved (as of 2022) to increase the monetary ceiling for purchase of “Not Available, emergent, lifesaving and essential drugs” from open market and also to increase the maximum period of purchase from 15 days to 30 days under certain conditions. Press Information Bureau+1
This is when the medicine is NA in Polyclinic/ALC and beneficiary has to purchase. Press Information Bureau
Here are parts of your statement which are not fully supported, or are partially incorrect, based on the current ECHS policy:
Your Statement | What policy says / discrepancy |
---|---|
“Doctors/Medical Officers at ECHS polyclinics are permitted to prescribe only medicines from the ECDL-24 list” | The policy requires prescribing by generic name. However, I did not find a clause that limits the prescription exclusively to “ECDL-24” list (if that refers to a specific list of generics or Essential Medicinal List). The documents say generic name only, but ECDL-24 list is not clearly mentioned in the sources I checked. (Could be a localized implementation or mis-naming.) |
“Only generic and not specific branded medicines” | This is correct. Policy mandates generic names only. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter+1 |
“Maximum duration of 15 days at non-parent ECHS polyclinics” | This was an older policy in some versions, but now updated: maximum period has been increased under certain parameters. The policy allows issuance for up to 30 days from open market when medicines are NA, etc. Also, for outstation polyclinics / site visits the 15 days limit applies. So it depends on why 15 days is used (visit / NA / non-parent PC etc.). Navy Foundation Pune Chapter+1 |
“You are allowed to purchase them from the open market—without any restriction on the brand—and subsequently submit a claim for reimbursement” | Partially correct: yes, in case of NA at Polyclinic & ALC you can buy from market. But “without any restriction on brand” is questionable: the policy emphasises generic prescribing; there may need to be justification if branded drugs are prescribed or submitted. Also, claim must follow guidelines and limits set (value, certificate etc.). Navy Foundation Pune Chapter+1 |
Putting together the latest Handbook (2024) & official ECHS letters:
Generic prescribing is mandatory. All medicines must be prescribed by generic name only. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter
Duration of issue:
Parent Polyclinic: normally 30 days, up to 90 days for chronic cases if no review needed. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter
Outstation / non-parent polyclinic / during visits: limited duration (commonly 15 days) when issuing at a non-parent PC or outstation PC. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter
When medicine is not available:
Use of ALC for dispensary shortages. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter
NA certificate if both PC dispensary & ALC don’t have it, to purchase from open market and claim reimbursement. Navy Foundation Pune Chapter
Financial / ceiling limits and period of prescription from open market:
Earlier the maximum period for open market purchase was 15 days; modified to 30 days under certain conditions. Press Information Bureau
There are monetary limits on the value of medicines/consumables per purchase / claim. Press Information Bureau
Your statement is partially correct, but needs some updating / correction in light of the current (2024) policy.
Correct in requiring generic names.
The restriction to 15 days at non-parent PC is partly true historically and for some situations, BUT current policy has increased flexibility (30 days etc.) under certain parameters.
The phrase “only from ECDL-24” is not found explicitly in the official texts I checked (or may be local/custom list but not national policy as per the documents).
The part about purchasing from open market when NA is correct, but brand restrictions may still need justification; policy doesn’t explicitly say “no restriction on brand” in all cases.
If you like, I can dig up the exact clause text from the 2024 Handbook for your region (or station) to verify if there are any local amendments. Do you want me to do that?
Thank you for confirming your station is Bangalore. I checked the latest ECHS national policy documents; I did not find any clause specific to Bangalore that changes the standard policy. So the general rules apply in Bangalore as elsewhere. Here are the relevant policy points + how they map to your statement:
From ECHS FAQs (April 2023)
Patients using a Polyclinic other than their parent Polyclinic can be issued medicines for 15 days at a time. ECHS
If a medicine is not available both at the Polyclinic (PC) and the Authorised Local Chemist (ALC), you may purchase it from the open market and claim reimbursement provided there is a Non-Availability (NA) certificate. ECHS
From the “Re-imbursement of cost of Not Available (NA) medicines and consumables” MoD order dated 25 March 2022
The period for which NA medicines may be purchased and reimbursed has been extended from 15 days earlier to 30 days at a time. Central Government Employees News+1
There are monetary ceilings for reimbursement: ₹ 25,000 under “general conditions”, higher under “special conditions”, and much higher for cancer medicines. Central Government Employees News+1
From “Increase in medicine issue in non-parent PC” (POLICY dated 28 Mar 2023)
It revokes/updates the older limit of 7 days at non-parent polyclinics. The current policy (post-update) is 15 days issue at non-parent PCs. ECHS+1
Given those national rules apply uniformly (unless there is a specific local variation, which I found none in public domain for Bangalore):
At a non-parent Polyclinic in Bangalore, you can get medicines for 15 days at a time.
If the required medicine is not available at both the polyclinic and the ALC, you can purchase it from the open market with an NA certificate and claim reimbursement.
The reimbursement time period allowed for NA medicines is up to 30 days now (if all conditions satisfied).
Prescriptions must be in generic names.
Since sometimes local practices vary, you may want to check:
Whether your local polyclinic has the ECDL-24 list and uses it. Sometimes “essential drugs” lists are station-specific.
Whether the OIC (Officer-in-Charge) at your Bangalore PC issues/approves the NA certificates promptly.
Whether any local ceiling (monetary or duration) is lower due to resource constraints.
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I reiterate my concern regarding the outdated information and misinformation in the ECHSGPT database. As previously communicated, I had requested that these discrepancies be addressed and the data be updated in line with the latest ECHS directives.
Regrettably, rather than taking steps to correct the inaccuracies I identified, the focus has shifted toward questioning the validity of my statements—statements which are, in fact, accurate and supported by the most recent ECHS official guidelines.
This response is both disappointing and unexpected, especially given the importance of ensuring reliable and up-to-date information in this context.
I respectfully request that the necessary corrections be made immediately to maintain the integrity and usefulness of the system.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
With utmost respect and warm regards,
-sd-
संतोष कुमार मिश्र/ Santosh Kumar Mishra
Armed Forces Veteran
📞 9582140406
The one who thinks of themselves as the wisest is actually the most ignorant.
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Dear Sir,I have previously expressed my concern about the outdated information and misinformation present in the ECHSGPT database, and I had requested that the data be updated accordingly.
However, despite highlighting these inaccuracies, you have chosen to find errors in my statement—statements which are, in fact, correct. This approach is disappointing and not something I had expected from your end.
With warm Regards,
Santosh Kumar Mishra
9582140406
On Fri, Sep 19, 2025 at 10:34 PM Chandra Nath <cpc...@gmail.com> wrote:
----
Dear Sir,
I, too, do not control the responses. I am someone who consciously avoids confrontation and never dishonours anyone — I expect the same courtesy in return. All ECHS directives are publicly available and uniformly applicable, regardless of location — be it Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, or Kolkata. These policies do not change from place to place.
The information I shared is sourced from the same publicly accessible guidelines. I already shared the link of the ECHS directives.
DESW ECHS Circulars
ECHS Policies
Regards
On Sat, Sep 20, 2025 at 8:08 AM Chandra Nath <cpc...@gmail.com> wrote:
Please provide the authentic pdf from authorized sources which I can use to train the ECHSGPT.I do not control the responses. We can only correct by asking it do “Think hard, no time limit and do deep research with my prompt” qualification.
Every response from any AI tools comes withe warning. Read it with every response.In fact, you can contest the ECHSGPT if you know a fact for sure, it will do deeper research for you and thank you for correcting it so that other users will benefit in the future .These are rules of Prompt Engineering as propagated by all AI companies at the current level of technology.I had pushed the GPTs to accept this mistake with regard to AadharOffice card that it is not an id card in the conventional sense!If you are using any AI tools, accept their current drawbacks too.Nothing personal about this. Even Sam Altman will admit this deficiency.Chandra Nath7760928824______________My every thought is stealthily copied/sometimes borrowed/mostly stolen/almost always shamelessly misappropriated; none are my own, and hence a crutch by itself!
On Sat, Sep 20, 2025 at 7:38 AM SANTOSH KUMAR MISHRA <echsben...@gmail.com> wrote:
Dear Sir,I reiterate my concern regarding the outdated information and misinformation in the ECHSGPT database. As previously communicated, I had requested that these discrepancies be addressed and the data be updated in line with the latest ECHS directives.
Regrettably, rather than taking steps to correct the inaccuracies I identified, the focus has shifted toward questioning the validity of my statements—statements which are, in fact, accurate and supported by the most recent ECHS official guidelines.
This response is both disappointing and unexpected, especially given the importance of ensuring reliable and up-to-date information in this context.
I respectfully request that the necessary corrections be made immediately to maintain the integrity and usefulness of the system.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
With utmost respect and warm regards,
-sd-
संतोष कुमार मिश्र/ Santosh Kumar Mishra
Armed Forces Veteran
📞 9582140406
The one who thinks of themselves as the wisest is actually the most ignorant.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This guidance is based on ECHS Handbook 2024, Chapter I – Eligibility, Para 6 (Parents). Policies are subject to amendments; always confirm with your Parent Polyclinic or Regional Centre.
Dear Sir,
I, too, do not control the responses. I am someone who consciously avoids confrontation and never dishonours anyone — I expect the same courtesy in return. All ECHS directives are publicly available and uniformly applicable, regardless of location — be it Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, or Kolkata. These policies do not change from place to place.
The information I shared is sourced from the same publicly accessible guidelines. I already shared the link of the ECHS directives. I strongly urge you to thoroughly review the official ECHS policies before making any assumptions or statements. If you are claiming to rely on ECHSGPT, ensure it is updated and accurate. As a technically qualified individual, you are expected to understand and uphold accuracy — not misrepresent facts. If you cannot ensure that, it is better to refrain from making unfounded claims.
Regards
On Sat, Sep 20, 2025 at 8:08 AM Chandra Nath <cpc...@gmail.com> wrote:
This tracker consolidates the latest circulars, policies, and advisories issued on the official ECHS website (Medical Section) during 2025. It supplements the ECHS Handbook 2024 and other static references.
Date | Circular / Subject | Key Policy Change | Source Link |
---|---|---|---|
22 Aug 2025 | Standard sanction for investigations from civil hospitals/diagnostic centres | Introduced guidelines for standardized sanctioning of investigations in civil facilities, to streamline approvals and ensure uniformity across stations. | ECHS Circular – 22 Aug 2025 |
13 Aug 2025 | Prior sanction for treatment in non-empanelled hospitals | Mandatory prior approval needed before availing treatment in non-empanelled hospitals (except true emergencies). Strengthens control over reimbursements. | ECHS Circular – 13 Aug 2025 |
30 Apr 2025 | Procurement of drugs & consumables (Modification) | Revised procurement process for drugs and consumables at polyclinics, introducing stricter checks and cost-control measures. | ECHS Circular – 30 Apr 2025 |
29 Apr 2025 | Domiciliary Medical Equipment Policy | New norms for issuing medical equipment (e.g., CPAP, BiPAP, glucometers, hearing aids). Streamlined sanction procedure and documentation. | ECHS Circular – 29 Apr 2025 |
12 Mar 2025 | Revised Referral Guidelines | Updated referral validity to 90 days, allowed up to 6 consultations, and eased rules for routine investigations. Extends direct specialist access for veterans aged 70+. | ECHS Circular – 12 Mar 2025 |
11 Mar 2025 | AYUSH Treatment Advisory | Clarified scope of reimbursement for Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy treatments. Beneficiaries must obtain prior approval. | ECHS Circular – 11 Mar 2025 |
21 Feb 2025 | Post-Organ Transplant Medicine Purchase Guidelines | Standardized process for long-term purchase of essential post-transplant medicines. Beneficiaries may be permitted direct purchase with reimbursement at CGHS rates. | ECHS Circular – 21 Feb 2025 |
Referrals: Validity extended to 90 days / 6 OPDs; elderly beneficiaries (70+) get direct access to specialist OPDs.
Emergency Treatment: Prior sanction now strictly required for non-empanelled hospitals (except emergencies).
Medicines & Equipment: Stronger procurement norms and a clear framework for domiciliary medical equipment.
AYUSH: Advisory reaffirms reimbursement allowed with prior approval.
Organ Transplants: Long-term medicine purchase rules standardized.
Refer to ECHS Handbook 2024 for baseline rules.
Check this tracker for amendments and new policies (2025).
Always cross-verify latest circulars on the official site: ECHS Medical Section.
📌 Disclaimer: This tracker is for reference only. Final authority rests with official circulars and instructions from Central Organisation ECHS.
✅ I’ve created the ECHS Updates Tracker – 2025 with all major circulars from the official ECHS Medical Section. This sits alongside your ECHS Handbook 2024 as a quick-reference update log.
Do let me know if any further policy pdfs are required for updation. Once it is updated, the ECHGPT will include these updates in its response. It has a system of looking for updates constantly, but that is not assured to work, though.
ECHS Policy on Prior Sanction for Treatment in Non‑Empanelled Hospitals – Listed Procedures (Letter dated 13.08.2025):