ECHS: What Veterans Say

Cmde BB Mistry writes...
1. Let us look at the ECHS issue from the basics. As I understand this scheme has been instituted to:
(a) provide medical care to ex servicemen both in quality and quantity at an area closest to their residence. This pre supposes that the care would be similar to that which he or she received whilst being on active duty.
(b) to unburden the existing medical institutes of the Armed Forces for care of those in service.
(c) to assist the GOI by providing contributory funds from the pensioners.
2. We observe from the various feed backs that the main objective has not ben fulfilled at all in the mofussil areas. The facilities in the urban areas has also been wanting. In Mumbai there are three centres viz INS Asvini (Colaba). Kanjur Marg Dockyard colony and one at New mumbai. For those of us who stay at suburbs on the western, central and the harbour lines such as Virar, Karjat, Thane etc the crowded connectivity makes it nearly impossible to avail of these centres. Further specialised medical services are provided only at Asvini, which is approx 60Km from Thane and 120 Km from Karjat.
I suppose a senior citizen retired serviceman would probably have to make his final halt at one of the chandanwadis on his way before reaching Colaba notwithstanding the number of stars he had been displaying in service. Even if he does make it he would be a mind boggling challenge for the medics at Asvini. The situation is thus no different from the days when the facilities were free. Please remember Death does not make any concessions to the king or the pauper. It is the one and only leveller. During my visit to the Raigad district the DSSAB officer told me that lack of ECHS facility has been an unfulfilled wish of the gentry in and around.
3. The solution lies in reviewing the system empathatically by those who are responsible for its implementation. We should endeavour to affliate more hospitals into the systems. Neighborhood physicians should be inducted for primary care. There are many doctors who charge a pittance (max Rs. 30 only) in Mumbai for consultations and also make residential visits. We should encourage these gentlehealers.
4. Some neighbourhood laboratories could also be recognised and affliated on recommendations of these doctors.
5. High- end hospitals must be kept as a last resort. Neighbourhood docs must be requested to conduct some sort of modified annual/ six monthly health check up, depending upon the age, to assess the condition of the body and mind.
6. Both the in sevice and Ex servicemen must be encouraged to take up alternative health upkeep excercise such as yoga. If this is institutionalised in active service then the same agencies could continue with the ex servicemen.This would make prevention the by word in health care. It would be economical too.
7. Finally the staff of the agencies at active end should be trained by expert counsellors to be sympathetic listners, respectful, polite and considerate to the ex servicemen without discriminating ranks and positions. It would be an excellent example if the starred retired personnel awaited their turn with patience and dignity. This would make us exemplary and different citizens.
There is more to write if the interest by concerned authorities is forthcoming.
With Best wishes.

BB Mistry
Cmde (Retd)
Vice President, War Veterans Party. A Party with a difference for the veterans from uniform and like minded civilians. Registered with the CEC.
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Cdr Iyer writes...
I visited the AFIDS (Dental Clinic) at Bangalore today for dome dental treatment. Dr Vidya Gupta,who takes care of ECHS patients said that I will have to be referred to a referral clinic. This cannot be done now as the revision is yet to be approved and asked me to report again after a month or TWO. It is obvious that unless we pressurise at some higher levels, some serious patient will land in trouble.

G V Iyer
Cdr (Retd)