Dear Veterans,
Directorate of Personal Services, Air HQ, has brought handbook incorporating every facet of the ECHS. It is an aide memoir for the veterans.
Yash Pal Diwan
HAND BOOK ON EX-SERVICEMEN CONTRIBUTORY HEALTH SCHEME: click here
Showing posts with label Polyclinics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Polyclinics. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
ECHS Handbook: Demystifies Itself
Dear Veterans,
Directorate of Personal Services, Air HQ, has brought handbook incorporating every facet of the ECHS. It is an aide memoir for the veterans.
Yash Pal Diwan
HAND BOOK ON EX-SERVICEMEN CONTRIBUTORY HEALTH SCHEME: click here
Sunday, July 1, 2012
ECHS: Letter to Chairman Oversight Committee
Dear General Raviraj,
I was delighted to speak with you on 27 Jun 2012 and to know you were heading a Committee to bring about improvement in the functioning of the ECHS. I would have been happier still if your charter included the possibilities of closing it down for at least those for whom it has become a pain in the neck.
On raising the Association the first essential thing we thought for Veterans was ASSURED MEDICAL FACILITY at Govt expense. During the first ten years we made many suggestions to the Govt about it but when we found a flaw in it we withdrew it, till we arrived at a flawless medicare policy scheme. This scheme was to be fully financed by the Govt.
It took me another ten years to get it sanctioned by no less a person than the Hon'ble PM himself on 26 Jul 2001. After its approval it was passed onto the Service Headquarters by the MOD with directions to produce the best scheme under those parameters and it would be fully financed by the Govt. The Govt was prepared to give that scheme within months.
Then our Service Headquarters came into play and denied us the best. I called it the greatest tragedy of life because my twenty years effort was destroyed , this time not by oft accused hostile bureaucracy but by our own Service Headquarters. When this was being destroyed I went and cried to the Chiefs and got course correction done three times, but finally the AG prevailed by deceit leaving us to curse our luck when we have to avail this facility.
What finally was dumped on us was a third rate copy of the outdated civil scheme of the CGHS. This scheme is basically a flawed scheme. No amount of flogging this dead horse is going to work. Your charter is therefore absolutely daunting and I sympathize with you.
Before the Scheme was launched the AG and the newly appointed MD of ECHS made a presentation at the USI telling us how good it was. I asked for perrmission to speak during the presentation,but was not allowed. Then I made out a paper and distributed to over 500 officers during the presentation. What I wrote then was true then and continues to be true even now. I am attaching that paper for you to go through now (not attached HERE being scan copy in pdf format). Will come back with more later.
This paper was presented to the COSC when they invited me for presntation to them on 25 Nov 2003 and to the Defense Parliamentary Committee several times. They all agreed with me but wanted to see its functioning for some time before reconsidering the decision. Now afer ten years we have not only seen its functioning but also suffered enough. Its time to act before it is too late. I will keep sending you some mails which would give you the immensity of the problem. Warm regards
Lt Col Inderjit Singh
Chairman AEIWA
I was delighted to speak with you on 27 Jun 2012 and to know you were heading a Committee to bring about improvement in the functioning of the ECHS. I would have been happier still if your charter included the possibilities of closing it down for at least those for whom it has become a pain in the neck.
On raising the Association the first essential thing we thought for Veterans was ASSURED MEDICAL FACILITY at Govt expense. During the first ten years we made many suggestions to the Govt about it but when we found a flaw in it we withdrew it, till we arrived at a flawless medicare policy scheme. This scheme was to be fully financed by the Govt.
It took me another ten years to get it sanctioned by no less a person than the Hon'ble PM himself on 26 Jul 2001. After its approval it was passed onto the Service Headquarters by the MOD with directions to produce the best scheme under those parameters and it would be fully financed by the Govt. The Govt was prepared to give that scheme within months.
Then our Service Headquarters came into play and denied us the best. I called it the greatest tragedy of life because my twenty years effort was destroyed , this time not by oft accused hostile bureaucracy but by our own Service Headquarters. When this was being destroyed I went and cried to the Chiefs and got course correction done three times, but finally the AG prevailed by deceit leaving us to curse our luck when we have to avail this facility.
What finally was dumped on us was a third rate copy of the outdated civil scheme of the CGHS. This scheme is basically a flawed scheme. No amount of flogging this dead horse is going to work. Your charter is therefore absolutely daunting and I sympathize with you.
Before the Scheme was launched the AG and the newly appointed MD of ECHS made a presentation at the USI telling us how good it was. I asked for perrmission to speak during the presentation,but was not allowed. Then I made out a paper and distributed to over 500 officers during the presentation. What I wrote then was true then and continues to be true even now. I am attaching that paper for you to go through now (not attached HERE being scan copy in pdf format). Will come back with more later.
This paper was presented to the COSC when they invited me for presntation to them on 25 Nov 2003 and to the Defense Parliamentary Committee several times. They all agreed with me but wanted to see its functioning for some time before reconsidering the decision. Now afer ten years we have not only seen its functioning but also suffered enough. Its time to act before it is too late. I will keep sending you some mails which would give you the immensity of the problem. Warm regards
Lt Col Inderjit Singh
Chairman AEIWA
Thursday, June 14, 2012
ECHS: Army health scheme plagued
Owes Rs 60 crore to 30 empanelled centres, including Rs 40-cr Fortis bills
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 13
A couple of weeks ago, braving the scorching summer heat, an elderly ex-serviceman travelled from Bathinda to Mohali to avail himself of treatment at a hospital empanelled under the Ex-Servicemen's Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). On arriving here in the afternoon, he was, however, turned away on the grounds that no beds were available at the hospital.
On the matter being pursued by a local ex-servicemen's association, it was revealed that the ex-serviceman had not followed the proper referral channel and instead of being routed through the local ECHS office, he had landed directly at the hospital. This is not a singular case. Local associations taking up ex-servicemen's problems say about half a dozen cases have been brought to their notice in the past three months where ECHS patients have been turned away, ostensibly on the procedural grounds.
Almost a decade after it was launched, the ECHS continues to face functional and administrative problems. Large outstanding payments to private empanelled hospitals, complaints of senior citizens not being entertained, procedural anomalies and unavailability of medicines are among them.
Launched in April, 2003, the ECHS entitles ex-servicemen and their dependents to comprehensive medicare in service hospitals as well as the empanelled private hospitals. Prior to this, they could avail themselves of facilities only for specific high-cost surgeries or treatment for a limited number of diseases covered under the Army group insurance schemes, which provided only limited relief vis-a-vis the schemes available to the other Central Government employees.
The ex-servicemen associations have claimed that there have been instances where veterans have not been entertained by some hospitals, ostensibly due to their commercial interests. Some have also claimed that they have experienced difficulty in being admitted to a hospital in cases of minor or low-level treatment.
The representatives of private hospitals maintain that no patient is refused admission unless there is a genuine reason like unavailability of a bed or the specialist concerned. No emergency case is turned away. Another reason cited for patients being not entertained is that they have not been referred to the hospital by the designated ECHS polyclinic, which would result in administrative hassles later on. Given the quantum of ECHS patient inflow, the number of patients turned away, if unavoidable, is negligible, they say.
Many of these issues were raised at a meeting over ECHS held at the Headquarters, Western Command, Chandi Mandir, about a month ago. Besides the matter of pending bills, allegations of hospitals inflating bills also cropped up. In fact, it was reportedly a representative of a private hospital who himself pointed out that some hospitals were inflating bills.
There are 30 empanelled hospitals, diagnostic centres and laboratories in the tricity region and their total outstanding payment is estimated to be over Rs 60 crore.
In the tricity, the ECHS authorities owe about Rs 40 crore to Fortis Hospital, one of the largest private hospitals in the region. A spokesperson for the hospital said on an average 180 or 200 ECHS patients are attended to daily at the OPD while on any given day there are 25 or 30 ECHS patients in the various ICUs/CCUs of this hospital and another 55 or 75 admitted as in patients.
A senior staffer at another private hospital claimed that his institute had outstanding payments worth over Rs 15 crore. Chandigarh is a high-pressure centre where patients come from the neighbouring states. He said while bills might take up to five or six months to be cleared from the Chandigarh centre of the ECHS, those from other centres like Dharamsala take much longer. The Alchemist in Panchkula owed about Rs 1.5 crore to the ECHS authorities, he added.
Official sources at the Headquarters, Western Command, said they were ‘alive’ to the problems being faced by the stakeholders and efforts were being made to bring down the time period for releasing payments. “We have started online bill processing at five major stations, including Chandigarh, where bills can be submitted online by hospitals, which will cut down the time period,” a senior officer said.
“We are also working out a system where a hospital would give us 2 per cent discount on the bills that are cleared within seven or 10 days,” he added.
According to the hospital authorities, the verification process for bills is long and tedious, involving several establishments and hierarchical levels.
A new system of dispensing medicines is also being adopted, where the dispensaries at the ECHS polyclinics would be outsourced to private players. They would be responsible for procuring and stocking medical supplies and disbursing them as prescribed, with the cost of the supplies being borne by the ECHS as mutually fixed. A meeting between the ECHS authorities and prospective vendors to discuss the modalities of outsourcing was held in New Delhi a few days ago.
Army health scheme plagued
Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, June 13
A couple of weeks ago, braving the scorching summer heat, an elderly ex-serviceman travelled from Bathinda to Mohali to avail himself of treatment at a hospital empanelled under the Ex-Servicemen's Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). On arriving here in the afternoon, he was, however, turned away on the grounds that no beds were available at the hospital.
On the matter being pursued by a local ex-servicemen's association, it was revealed that the ex-serviceman had not followed the proper referral channel and instead of being routed through the local ECHS office, he had landed directly at the hospital. This is not a singular case. Local associations taking up ex-servicemen's problems say about half a dozen cases have been brought to their notice in the past three months where ECHS patients have been turned away, ostensibly on the procedural grounds.
Almost a decade after it was launched, the ECHS continues to face functional and administrative problems. Large outstanding payments to private empanelled hospitals, complaints of senior citizens not being entertained, procedural anomalies and unavailability of medicines are among them.
Launched in April, 2003, the ECHS entitles ex-servicemen and their dependents to comprehensive medicare in service hospitals as well as the empanelled private hospitals. Prior to this, they could avail themselves of facilities only for specific high-cost surgeries or treatment for a limited number of diseases covered under the Army group insurance schemes, which provided only limited relief vis-a-vis the schemes available to the other Central Government employees.
The ex-servicemen associations have claimed that there have been instances where veterans have not been entertained by some hospitals, ostensibly due to their commercial interests. Some have also claimed that they have experienced difficulty in being admitted to a hospital in cases of minor or low-level treatment.
The representatives of private hospitals maintain that no patient is refused admission unless there is a genuine reason like unavailability of a bed or the specialist concerned. No emergency case is turned away. Another reason cited for patients being not entertained is that they have not been referred to the hospital by the designated ECHS polyclinic, which would result in administrative hassles later on. Given the quantum of ECHS patient inflow, the number of patients turned away, if unavoidable, is negligible, they say.
Many of these issues were raised at a meeting over ECHS held at the Headquarters, Western Command, Chandi Mandir, about a month ago. Besides the matter of pending bills, allegations of hospitals inflating bills also cropped up. In fact, it was reportedly a representative of a private hospital who himself pointed out that some hospitals were inflating bills.
There are 30 empanelled hospitals, diagnostic centres and laboratories in the tricity region and their total outstanding payment is estimated to be over Rs 60 crore.
In the tricity, the ECHS authorities owe about Rs 40 crore to Fortis Hospital, one of the largest private hospitals in the region. A spokesperson for the hospital said on an average 180 or 200 ECHS patients are attended to daily at the OPD while on any given day there are 25 or 30 ECHS patients in the various ICUs/CCUs of this hospital and another 55 or 75 admitted as in patients.
A senior staffer at another private hospital claimed that his institute had outstanding payments worth over Rs 15 crore. Chandigarh is a high-pressure centre where patients come from the neighbouring states. He said while bills might take up to five or six months to be cleared from the Chandigarh centre of the ECHS, those from other centres like Dharamsala take much longer. The Alchemist in Panchkula owed about Rs 1.5 crore to the ECHS authorities, he added.
Official sources at the Headquarters, Western Command, said they were ‘alive’ to the problems being faced by the stakeholders and efforts were being made to bring down the time period for releasing payments. “We have started online bill processing at five major stations, including Chandigarh, where bills can be submitted online by hospitals, which will cut down the time period,” a senior officer said.
“We are also working out a system where a hospital would give us 2 per cent discount on the bills that are cleared within seven or 10 days,” he added.
According to the hospital authorities, the verification process for bills is long and tedious, involving several establishments and hierarchical levels.
A new system of dispensing medicines is also being adopted, where the dispensaries at the ECHS polyclinics would be outsourced to private players. They would be responsible for procuring and stocking medical supplies and disbursing them as prescribed, with the cost of the supplies being borne by the ECHS as mutually fixed. A meeting between the ECHS authorities and prospective vendors to discuss the modalities of outsourcing was held in New Delhi a few days ago.
Army health scheme plagued
Friday, March 9, 2012
Pune ex-servicemen get a raw deal
ECHS runs out of funds and bogged by bureaucratic hurdles
Published: Tuesday, Mar 6, 2012, 12:10 IST
By Soumabha Nandi | Place: Pune | Agency: DNA
Retd Colonel Shashi Anand’s wife’s treatment was halted at the Jehangir Hospital last week. According to Anand, the hospital official denied his wife further treatment as they had not been paid the bill of the ex-servicemen contributory health scheme (ECHS). “Under the ECHS scheme, an ex-serviceman and his family members are entitled to cashless treatment in the hospitals.
However, my wife’s treatment was halted by the hospital authorities as they claimed that they have not received the payment from the army yet, and hence will not carry out further cashless treatments,” said Anand, who has now shifted his wife to Command Hospital.
Like Anand, most of the ex-servicemen are facing difficulties in getting treatment in private hospitals. The ECHS beneficiaries are denied treatment in these hospitals as bills under the scheme have not been paid by the army. According to sources, the outstanding to be paid to hospitals surpasses Rs3 crore.
However, the hospital officials maintained that they have not stopped treating ECHS beneficiaries, provided they pay the amount from their pockets.
Jehangir Hospital confirmed that even as they have stopped giving cashless treatment to ECHS beneficiaries, the treatment will not be disrupted if the patients agree to pay the bills which have been set in concession rates.
“In spite of serious issues related to payments we have not stopped treatment. We are settling directly at the concessional ECHS tariffs rates with those patients desirous of seeking treatment at Jehangir Hospital, until the issue is resolved,” Jehangir Hospital spokesperson told DNA.
The ECHS officials maintained that the payment of bills is a lengthy process and the hospitals should be patient enough regarding the issue as it is a matter of ex-servicemen.
“The payment of bills goes through a lengthy hierarchical order, where the payment beyond 5 lakh extends up to the ministry of defence.
“The paperwork sometimes take some time, hence the hospitals should cooperate with us as the bills will eventually be paid to them,” zilla sainik welfare officer (Pune) Major (retd) Milind Tungar told DNA. ECHS (Pune) staff officer, Col Abhay Raj Sharma told DNA that the non-payment of bills is a temporary phase and meetings have been held with the hospitals to solve the issue. “The hospitals should bear with us and wait for the financial year to end. The solution to the problem is a lengthy process and hence they need to be patient. The bills will be paid to them in the recent future,” he told DNA.
Courtesy- DNA Report
Published: Tuesday, Mar 6, 2012, 12:10 IST
By Soumabha Nandi | Place: Pune | Agency: DNA
Retd Colonel Shashi Anand’s wife’s treatment was halted at the Jehangir Hospital last week. According to Anand, the hospital official denied his wife further treatment as they had not been paid the bill of the ex-servicemen contributory health scheme (ECHS). “Under the ECHS scheme, an ex-serviceman and his family members are entitled to cashless treatment in the hospitals.
However, my wife’s treatment was halted by the hospital authorities as they claimed that they have not received the payment from the army yet, and hence will not carry out further cashless treatments,” said Anand, who has now shifted his wife to Command Hospital.
Like Anand, most of the ex-servicemen are facing difficulties in getting treatment in private hospitals. The ECHS beneficiaries are denied treatment in these hospitals as bills under the scheme have not been paid by the army. According to sources, the outstanding to be paid to hospitals surpasses Rs3 crore.
However, the hospital officials maintained that they have not stopped treating ECHS beneficiaries, provided they pay the amount from their pockets.
Jehangir Hospital confirmed that even as they have stopped giving cashless treatment to ECHS beneficiaries, the treatment will not be disrupted if the patients agree to pay the bills which have been set in concession rates.
“In spite of serious issues related to payments we have not stopped treatment. We are settling directly at the concessional ECHS tariffs rates with those patients desirous of seeking treatment at Jehangir Hospital, until the issue is resolved,” Jehangir Hospital spokesperson told DNA.
The ECHS officials maintained that the payment of bills is a lengthy process and the hospitals should be patient enough regarding the issue as it is a matter of ex-servicemen.
“The payment of bills goes through a lengthy hierarchical order, where the payment beyond 5 lakh extends up to the ministry of defence.
“The paperwork sometimes take some time, hence the hospitals should cooperate with us as the bills will eventually be paid to them,” zilla sainik welfare officer (Pune) Major (retd) Milind Tungar told DNA. ECHS (Pune) staff officer, Col Abhay Raj Sharma told DNA that the non-payment of bills is a temporary phase and meetings have been held with the hospitals to solve the issue. “The hospitals should bear with us and wait for the financial year to end. The solution to the problem is a lengthy process and hence they need to be patient. The bills will be paid to them in the recent future,” he told DNA.
Courtesy- DNA Report
Thursday, February 23, 2012
ECHS catching up with the digital era and networking
ECHS Live Website Feb 2012
It includes email ids of Region Centres and tele numbers of ECHS functionaries. There is also a click on for Claim status. This should be a Great help.
Please send in your suggestions for improvement to ECHS, with cc to me if you wish.
Its really a GREAT site. DO visit. You will find answers to all your queries. Cheers. And lots of Good Health.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturved
ECHS Helpline. Now call 080-4300-4300 or 1800-103-8666 for any ECHS query. You can also SMS your ECHS query on 09741494300.
Click here for ECHS Newsletter
Comment: What is lacking is an online complaint and suggestion facility which can easy be incorporated.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
ECHS Indisposed- lack of funds and infrastructure
ECHS indisposed
Private hospitals await crores in dues
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, December 13
All may not be well with the much-hyped Ex-Servicemen’s Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), a welfare initiative launched by the Centre for providing comprehensive medicare to veterans and their dependants.
While some new measures are being implemented to streamline the functioning of the ECHS, some issues like large outstanding payments to private hospitals empanelled under the scheme and modifying some procedures for availing treatment need urgent redress.
With outstanding payments mounting, some private hospitals are reluctant to entertain veterans and there have been instances where they have been turned away. Over the past few years, several reputed hospitals across the country have opted out of the scheme over procedural delays and deferred payments.
Among the largest private hospitals in the tricity, Fortis in Mohali, for instance, is reported to have outstanding payments amounting to Rs 30 crore since 2004. Silver Oaks, another private hospital, has outstanding dues of Rs 8.9 crore for the past four years.
Mukut Hospital, Sector 34, is awaiting payments of Rs 4.5 crore for the past two years and-a-half. Bills worth several lakhs each by laboratories and diagnostic centres are still to be cleared.
“The verification process for bills is long and tedious, involving several establishments and hierarchical levels,” Hemendra Jain, the official dealing with ECHS as Silver Oaks, has said.
There are 30 empanelled hospitals, diagnostic centres and laboratories in the tricity and 1,400 across the country. Going by the dues, outstanding payments nationwide may run into hundreds of crores, according to the ex-servicemen’s association.
Some issues also pertain to the functioning of the polyclinics that are directly operated by the ECHS. This includes heavy patient load and inadequate infrastructure.
To cater to a clientele of about 35 lakh, including 11 lakh ex-servicemen and 24 lakh dependants, and to operate 227 polyclinics, along with medical and paramedical staff and medical supplies, the ECHS has a budget of Rs 1,000 crore.
According to a study done by the Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Movement recently, the per capita expenditure under the ECHS is Rs 2,700 compared to Rs 5,100 from the Central Government Health Scheme for civilian retirees.
Sources at Western Command Headquarters claim that ECHS bills of private hospitals are being cleared within two weeks and payments of about Rs 20 lakh are being disbursed every day. A weekly roster has been developed, under which a particular day is devoted to dealing with bills of specific hospitals.
Sources at the headquarters admit that complaints and suggestions from the ECHS clientele keep coming in and various problems at the functional level are being sorted out from time to time.
They have also hinted at some policy changes and overhaul of the ECHS system, with a new managing director assuming charge of the ECHS. Maj-Gen A George has been posted from Chandi Mandir as the new ECHS head on a short notice.
Some measures like automating polyclinics to cut down manual administrative processes and releasing payments to private hospitals online within 10 days are being devised. Universal smart cards, that can be used to avail treatment at any polyclinic instead of only the user’s parent polyclinic, are also being issued.
ECHS indisposed Tribune report
Private hospitals await crores in dues
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, December 13
All may not be well with the much-hyped Ex-Servicemen’s Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), a welfare initiative launched by the Centre for providing comprehensive medicare to veterans and their dependants.
While some new measures are being implemented to streamline the functioning of the ECHS, some issues like large outstanding payments to private hospitals empanelled under the scheme and modifying some procedures for availing treatment need urgent redress.
With outstanding payments mounting, some private hospitals are reluctant to entertain veterans and there have been instances where they have been turned away. Over the past few years, several reputed hospitals across the country have opted out of the scheme over procedural delays and deferred payments.
Among the largest private hospitals in the tricity, Fortis in Mohali, for instance, is reported to have outstanding payments amounting to Rs 30 crore since 2004. Silver Oaks, another private hospital, has outstanding dues of Rs 8.9 crore for the past four years.
Mukut Hospital, Sector 34, is awaiting payments of Rs 4.5 crore for the past two years and-a-half. Bills worth several lakhs each by laboratories and diagnostic centres are still to be cleared.
“The verification process for bills is long and tedious, involving several establishments and hierarchical levels,” Hemendra Jain, the official dealing with ECHS as Silver Oaks, has said.
There are 30 empanelled hospitals, diagnostic centres and laboratories in the tricity and 1,400 across the country. Going by the dues, outstanding payments nationwide may run into hundreds of crores, according to the ex-servicemen’s association.
Some issues also pertain to the functioning of the polyclinics that are directly operated by the ECHS. This includes heavy patient load and inadequate infrastructure.
To cater to a clientele of about 35 lakh, including 11 lakh ex-servicemen and 24 lakh dependants, and to operate 227 polyclinics, along with medical and paramedical staff and medical supplies, the ECHS has a budget of Rs 1,000 crore.
According to a study done by the Indian Ex-Servicemen’s Movement recently, the per capita expenditure under the ECHS is Rs 2,700 compared to Rs 5,100 from the Central Government Health Scheme for civilian retirees.
Sources at Western Command Headquarters claim that ECHS bills of private hospitals are being cleared within two weeks and payments of about Rs 20 lakh are being disbursed every day. A weekly roster has been developed, under which a particular day is devoted to dealing with bills of specific hospitals.
Sources at the headquarters admit that complaints and suggestions from the ECHS clientele keep coming in and various problems at the functional level are being sorted out from time to time.
They have also hinted at some policy changes and overhaul of the ECHS system, with a new managing director assuming charge of the ECHS. Maj-Gen A George has been posted from Chandi Mandir as the new ECHS head on a short notice.
Some measures like automating polyclinics to cut down manual administrative processes and releasing payments to private hospitals online within 10 days are being devised. Universal smart cards, that can be used to avail treatment at any polyclinic instead of only the user’s parent polyclinic, are also being issued.
ECHS indisposed Tribune report
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Lt Gen A K Choudhary lauds NGO working for ex servicemen
Lt Gen A K Choudhary lauded NGO working for ex servicemen
Report by Arvind Sharma; Dharamsala:
Counting with its policy of “Army Cares for its veterans”, GOC of the Rising Star Corps Lt Gen A K Choudhary, AVSM,SM,VSM, in a simple ceremony at Yol Cantt near here, presented a large No of gifts to a NGO “Himachal Pradesh Poorav Sainik Sahayta Sangathan”. These gifts were given to enhance functional efficiency on the NGO, were received by NGO Chairman Col (Retd) S C Sharma.
Addressing the large gathering Lt Gen Choudhary said “ Sangathan is doing yeoman’s services by helping fellow soldiers which is exemplary emulation for worthy and noble cause. I would like more people to come forward to help the ex servicemen by ex-servicemen contributory health scheme polyclinics and also establishing ex servicemen helplines at all station headquarters to assist them.
“Himachal Pradesh Poorav Sainik Sahayta Sangathan “ was established in 2001 at Sidhwari in Dharamsala. Since then the sangathan has taken a lot of steps and initiatives at the grass root level to address the problems of Ex servicemen and their families if the remote areas of Himachal Pradesh. NGO is helping in so many problems from pension of ex servicemen to preparing youth for army recruitments. It also helps war widows to rebuild their future.
click here to read the original post
Report by Arvind Sharma; Dharamsala:
Counting with its policy of “Army Cares for its veterans”, GOC of the Rising Star Corps Lt Gen A K Choudhary, AVSM,SM,VSM, in a simple ceremony at Yol Cantt near here, presented a large No of gifts to a NGO “Himachal Pradesh Poorav Sainik Sahayta Sangathan”. These gifts were given to enhance functional efficiency on the NGO, were received by NGO Chairman Col (Retd) S C Sharma.
Addressing the large gathering Lt Gen Choudhary said “ Sangathan is doing yeoman’s services by helping fellow soldiers which is exemplary emulation for worthy and noble cause. I would like more people to come forward to help the ex servicemen by ex-servicemen contributory health scheme polyclinics and also establishing ex servicemen helplines at all station headquarters to assist them.
“Himachal Pradesh Poorav Sainik Sahayta Sangathan “ was established in 2001 at Sidhwari in Dharamsala. Since then the sangathan has taken a lot of steps and initiatives at the grass root level to address the problems of Ex servicemen and their families if the remote areas of Himachal Pradesh. NGO is helping in so many problems from pension of ex servicemen to preparing youth for army recruitments. It also helps war widows to rebuild their future.
click here to read the original post
Friday, August 12, 2011
DESL Report: Annual General Body Meeting
Dehradun Ex-Services League Honours War Widow & Gaurab Sainani- Release of News Letter No 18 on Welfare Issues Welfare- Annual General Body Meeting
Annual General Body Meeting of Dehradun Ex-Services League was held on 31 Jul 2011 at 1045 hrs at Gorkhali Sudhar Sabha Hall, Garhi Cantt, Dehradun which was attended by more than four hundred members and Maj Gen Shamsher Singh, MVC, Maj Gen R P Singh, Sh Ganesh Joshi, MLA, Brig KG Behl, President DESL, Brig P S Gurung, YSM Vice President State Minor Committee Commission, Lt Col BM Thapa, Gen Secy, Cols B S Chhettri, RP Jairath, R K Arya, K S Mann, SK Taneja, RC Joshi, CB Thapa, CPO(DR) BK Nautiyal PRO and many others. After two minutes silence on recent obituaries, Brig KG Behl, the PresidentDESL in his opening address, highlighted details of the welfare activities carried out during the year especially about rallies held in support of anomalies in 6th CPC and one Rank one Pension issue taken up with higher authorities. He also mentioned about the presentation submitted by him to petition committee in Rajya Sabha on parity in pension ie same rank same pension (OROP) on 16 May 2011f or which Mr Bhagat Singh Koshyari, MP & former CM of UK is the presiding officer and full hope was envisaged for positive results.
Brig Behl mentioned about the problems being faced in ECHS and CSD Canteen due to over crowding and hoped that by coming up of new polyclinics at Clement Town and Vikas Nagar, which has been sanctioned long back by the DG ECHS. With this the pressure on ECHS MH will ease.
The Secretary Lt Col BM Thapa presented his Annual Report and minutes of the last years AGM which were approved by the house by voice vote. Lt Gen Anand Swaroop, PVSM, MVC as new Patron in chief and Maj Gen Shamsher Sigh, MVC as new patron were welcomed alongwith New Shakha presidents Capt VS Thapa (Nawada), Sub DS Thapa (Chhidrawala), Capt NK Thapa (Harrawala) and Capt MS Rawat(Raiwala). Also out going Shakha Presidents Maj YB Thapa (Chhidrawala) and Capt OB Chhettri (Nawada) were thanked for excellent contribution by them. Lt Col RP Jairath, the treasurer presented Annual Accounts and Balance Sheet which was passed by the house with voice vote.
Shri Ganesh Joshi, MLA and Ex- Garhwal unit, in his speech appreciated the activities of DESL and fully supported to help ESM in all respects. Maj Gen Shamsher Singh, MVC who was the chief guest and Maj RP Singh both honoured the 20 widows, veers Narees and very old veterans. Col KL Dewan, the expert on Pension matters, in his address explained latest on pension and what one Rank one pension means and how the matters stand at present. Ranipokhri Shakha was declared best shakha and Hav BP Sharma, President, received the award. Points were raised for over crowding at ECHS & CSD which was noted for implementation. The vote of thanks was presented by Lt Col BS Chhetri, Senior Vice President. The function was compered by Lt Col BM Thapa, Gen Secy DESL and meeting ended with Barakhana.
Input:-Lt Col B M Thapa,
Gen Secy Dehradun Ex-Services League
Brig Behl mentioned about the problems being faced in ECHS and CSD Canteen due to over crowding and hoped that by coming up of new polyclinics at Clement Town and Vikas Nagar, which has been sanctioned long back by the DG ECHS. With this the pressure on ECHS MH will ease.
The Secretary Lt Col BM Thapa presented his Annual Report and minutes of the last years AGM which were approved by the house by voice vote. Lt Gen Anand Swaroop, PVSM, MVC as new Patron in chief and Maj Gen Shamsher Sigh, MVC as new patron were welcomed alongwith New Shakha presidents Capt VS Thapa (Nawada), Sub DS Thapa (Chhidrawala), Capt NK Thapa (Harrawala) and Capt MS Rawat(Raiwala). Also out going Shakha Presidents Maj YB Thapa (Chhidrawala) and Capt OB Chhettri (Nawada) were thanked for excellent contribution by them. Lt Col RP Jairath, the treasurer presented Annual Accounts and Balance Sheet which was passed by the house with voice vote.
Shri Ganesh Joshi, MLA and Ex- Garhwal unit, in his speech appreciated the activities of DESL and fully supported to help ESM in all respects. Maj Gen Shamsher Singh, MVC who was the chief guest and Maj RP Singh both honoured the 20 widows, veers Narees and very old veterans. Col KL Dewan, the expert on Pension matters, in his address explained latest on pension and what one Rank one pension means and how the matters stand at present. Ranipokhri Shakha was declared best shakha and Hav BP Sharma, President, received the award. Points were raised for over crowding at ECHS & CSD which was noted for implementation. The vote of thanks was presented by Lt Col BS Chhetri, Senior Vice President. The function was compered by Lt Col BM Thapa, Gen Secy DESL and meeting ended with Barakhana.
Input:-Lt Col B M Thapa,
Gen Secy Dehradun Ex-Services League
Monday, June 27, 2011
एंटनी राज्यों को पूर्व सैनिकों के लिए अधिक रास्ते खोलने के लिए पूछता है
रक्षा जून 27 की पीआईबी मंत्रालय, 2011 17:57 IST
रक्षा मंत्री श्री ए.के. एंटनी ऊपर भूतपूर्व सैनिकों के लिए और अधिक रास्ते खोलने के लिए बुलाया है. केन्द्रीय सैनिक बोर्ड, केंद्र सरकार और राज्यों / भूतपूर्व सैनिक (ESW) कल्याण, आज यहां केन्द्र शासित प्रदेशों के शीर्ष निकाय की 29 वीं बैठक की अध्यक्षता करते हुए श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि राष्ट्र को अनुशासित कार्यबल असर के इस विशाल जलाशय बर्बादी बर्दाश्त नहीं कर सकता ट्रेडों की एक विस्तृत श्रृंखला में कौशल.
"कुछ समय पहले मैं सभी राज्यों के मुख्यमंत्रियों को लिखा था कि भूतपूर्व सैनिकों के लिए और अधिक रोजगार के अवसर प्रदान करते हैं. तुम तरीकों और इसका मतलब अप करने के लिए आर्थिक गतिविधि जहां भूतपूर्व सैनिकों की समृद्ध और व्यावहारिक अनुभव सबसे अच्छा उपयोग किया जा सकता से अधिक क्षेत्रों को खोलने के लिए चिंतन करना चाहिए. श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि मैं भी सभी राज्य सरकारों से आग्रह करता हूं करने के लिए सुनिश्चित करें कि पूर्व सैनिकों के लिए नौकरियों में आरक्षण का प्रावधान पूर्व सैनिकों के लिए जमीन पर मूर्त रोजगार के अवसर उपलब्ध कराने के लिए कदम उठाने. "
उनका कहना है कि लगभग 50 से साठ हज़ार रक्षा कार्मिकों या तो रिटायर हो रहे हैं या हर साल सेवा से रिहा हुए रक्षा मंत्री ने कहा कि उनमें से सबसे अधिक उत्पादक आयु वर्ग में हैं.
"वे के बारे में 300 ट्रेडों में काम के अनुभव पर हाथ के अधिकारी और एक युवा, अनुशासित कार्यबल है कि समाज और राष्ट्र के लिए काफी लाभ हो सकता है. श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि हम wokforce के इस तरह के एक जवान और बेहद प्रशिक्षित जलाशय बेकार खर्च नहीं उठा सकते. "
रक्षा मंत्री भी लंबे समय के लिए केन्द्र और राज्य सरकारों में खाली पड़े भूतपूर्व सैनिकों के लिए निर्धारित नौकरियों पर चिंता व्यक्त की.
"मैं केन्द्रीय सरकार के अंतर्गत सभी मंत्रालयों और विभागों समझाना अपना सर्वश्रेष्ठ करने के लिए सभी मौजूदा भूतपूर्व सैनिकों के लिए निर्धारित की रिक्तियों को भरने के लिए कामना करता हूं. श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि देर से मुझे मिल जाए, भरने रिक्तियों की बजाय, बल्कि वे दूर ले जा रहे एक याचिका या अन्य पर रिक्तियां (पूर्व सैनिक). " "यह प्रोत्साहित नहीं किया जाना चाहिए," उन्होंने tersely टिप्पणी की.
सार्वजनिक और निजी करने के लिए भूतपूर्व सैनिकों के लिए अधिकतम अवसर उपलब्ध कराने के क्षेत्र पर आह्वान करते हुए रक्षा मंत्री ने कहा कि पुनः रोजगार के लाभों को सबसे कम रैंक के लिए नहीं percolating थे.
'कॉर्पोरेट और औद्योगिक क्षेत्र रोजगार भूतपूर्व सैनिकों के लिए कई प्रदान की गई है. हालांकि, जबकि इन reemployed कर्मियों के अधिकांश अधिकारी स्तर से कर रहे हैं, यह हमारी नोटिस में आया है कि वहाँ PBORs (अधिकारी रैंक से नीचे के कार्मिक) के लिए पर्याप्त काम नहीं कर रहे हैं. श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि मुझे यकीन है कि कॉर्पोरेट और निजी क्षेत्र के नेताओं को अपनी ऊर्जा को इस पहलू पर भी समर्पित करेंगे रहा हूँ ".
रक्षा मंत्री ने घोषणा की कि केन्द्र सरकार राज्य और जिला सैनिक बोर्डों के कामकाज के लिए अपने योगदान के अपने हिस्से बढ़ा दिया है.
"... मैं दृढ़ता मुख्यमंत्रियों से अपील अप करने के लिए राज्य सैनिक बोर्ड और जिला सैनिक बोर्डों में रिक्त पदों को भरने के द्वारा अपने पूर्ण सहयोग का विस्तार. अपनी ही ओर से केन्द्रीय सरकार के कार्यालय और राज्य और जिला सैनिक बोर्डों पर खर्च वेतन के लिए अपने योगदान इजाफा किया है. श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि 50:50 के मौजूदा अनुपात से 75:25 दूसरे राज्यों के मामलों में और राज्यों में 60:40 की विशेष श्रेणी के मामले में वृद्धि परिचालन जल्द ही किया जाएगा ".
दोहराते हैं कि सरकार ने देश भर में एक और 199 पालीक्लिनिक की स्थापना और भी भूतपूर्व सैनिक अंशदायी स्वास्थ्य (ईसीएचएस) योजना, के रूप में केन्द्रीय मंत्रिमंडल द्वारा अनुमोदित के दूसरे चरण के तहत नेपाल में प्रतिबद्ध है, श्री एंटनी राज्यों से आह्वान किया कि प्रदान जल्द से जल्द इस प्रयोजन के लिए भूमि.
"मनी समस्या नहीं है, भूमि अधिग्रहण और निर्माण की प्रक्रिया के लिए किया जाना चाहिए. श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि मुझे कोई संदेह नहीं है कि राज्य सरकारें सभी बाधाओं को दूर करने और इन पालीक्लिनिक बहुत जल्द से जल्द कार्यात्मक बनाने में सभी आवश्यक सहायता प्रदान करेगा है. "
सभा को संबोधित करते हुए रक्षा मंत्री श्री एम एम पल्लम राजू राज्यमंत्री ने घोषणा की कि पूर्व सैनिकों के लिए एक शिकायत आईटी समर्थित निवारण तंत्र स्थापित किया जा रहा करने की प्रक्रिया है कि उनकी समस्याओं को हल करने के प्रयासों का अधिकार जिला स्तर तक करना होगा में है .
पंजाब के राज्यपाल श्री शिवराज पाटिल, हरियाणा श्री भूपेन्द्र हुड्डा और दिल्ली, श्रीमती के मुख्यमंत्री के मुख्यमंत्री. शीला दीक्षित, वायुसेनाध्यक्ष एयर चीफ मार्शल पीवी नाइक और सेना प्रमुख जनरल वीके सिंह के मुख्यमंत्री के कई मंत्रियों और वरिष्ठ अधिकारियों के अलावा मुख्यमंत्री, विचार विमर्श में भाग लिया.
पीके / / एचएच एनएन (रिलीज आईडी: 72886)
एंटनी राज्यों को पूर्व सैनिकों के लिए अधिक रास्ते खोलने के लिए पूछता है
रक्षा मंत्री श्री ए.के. एंटनी ऊपर भूतपूर्व सैनिकों के लिए और अधिक रास्ते खोलने के लिए बुलाया है. केन्द्रीय सैनिक बोर्ड, केंद्र सरकार और राज्यों / भूतपूर्व सैनिक (ESW) कल्याण, आज यहां केन्द्र शासित प्रदेशों के शीर्ष निकाय की 29 वीं बैठक की अध्यक्षता करते हुए श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि राष्ट्र को अनुशासित कार्यबल असर के इस विशाल जलाशय बर्बादी बर्दाश्त नहीं कर सकता ट्रेडों की एक विस्तृत श्रृंखला में कौशल.
"कुछ समय पहले मैं सभी राज्यों के मुख्यमंत्रियों को लिखा था कि भूतपूर्व सैनिकों के लिए और अधिक रोजगार के अवसर प्रदान करते हैं. तुम तरीकों और इसका मतलब अप करने के लिए आर्थिक गतिविधि जहां भूतपूर्व सैनिकों की समृद्ध और व्यावहारिक अनुभव सबसे अच्छा उपयोग किया जा सकता से अधिक क्षेत्रों को खोलने के लिए चिंतन करना चाहिए. श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि मैं भी सभी राज्य सरकारों से आग्रह करता हूं करने के लिए सुनिश्चित करें कि पूर्व सैनिकों के लिए नौकरियों में आरक्षण का प्रावधान पूर्व सैनिकों के लिए जमीन पर मूर्त रोजगार के अवसर उपलब्ध कराने के लिए कदम उठाने. "
उनका कहना है कि लगभग 50 से साठ हज़ार रक्षा कार्मिकों या तो रिटायर हो रहे हैं या हर साल सेवा से रिहा हुए रक्षा मंत्री ने कहा कि उनमें से सबसे अधिक उत्पादक आयु वर्ग में हैं.
"वे के बारे में 300 ट्रेडों में काम के अनुभव पर हाथ के अधिकारी और एक युवा, अनुशासित कार्यबल है कि समाज और राष्ट्र के लिए काफी लाभ हो सकता है. श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि हम wokforce के इस तरह के एक जवान और बेहद प्रशिक्षित जलाशय बेकार खर्च नहीं उठा सकते. "
रक्षा मंत्री भी लंबे समय के लिए केन्द्र और राज्य सरकारों में खाली पड़े भूतपूर्व सैनिकों के लिए निर्धारित नौकरियों पर चिंता व्यक्त की.
"मैं केन्द्रीय सरकार के अंतर्गत सभी मंत्रालयों और विभागों समझाना अपना सर्वश्रेष्ठ करने के लिए सभी मौजूदा भूतपूर्व सैनिकों के लिए निर्धारित की रिक्तियों को भरने के लिए कामना करता हूं. श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि देर से मुझे मिल जाए, भरने रिक्तियों की बजाय, बल्कि वे दूर ले जा रहे एक याचिका या अन्य पर रिक्तियां (पूर्व सैनिक). " "यह प्रोत्साहित नहीं किया जाना चाहिए," उन्होंने tersely टिप्पणी की.
सार्वजनिक और निजी करने के लिए भूतपूर्व सैनिकों के लिए अधिकतम अवसर उपलब्ध कराने के क्षेत्र पर आह्वान करते हुए रक्षा मंत्री ने कहा कि पुनः रोजगार के लाभों को सबसे कम रैंक के लिए नहीं percolating थे.
'कॉर्पोरेट और औद्योगिक क्षेत्र रोजगार भूतपूर्व सैनिकों के लिए कई प्रदान की गई है. हालांकि, जबकि इन reemployed कर्मियों के अधिकांश अधिकारी स्तर से कर रहे हैं, यह हमारी नोटिस में आया है कि वहाँ PBORs (अधिकारी रैंक से नीचे के कार्मिक) के लिए पर्याप्त काम नहीं कर रहे हैं. श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि मुझे यकीन है कि कॉर्पोरेट और निजी क्षेत्र के नेताओं को अपनी ऊर्जा को इस पहलू पर भी समर्पित करेंगे रहा हूँ ".
रक्षा मंत्री ने घोषणा की कि केन्द्र सरकार राज्य और जिला सैनिक बोर्डों के कामकाज के लिए अपने योगदान के अपने हिस्से बढ़ा दिया है.
"... मैं दृढ़ता मुख्यमंत्रियों से अपील अप करने के लिए राज्य सैनिक बोर्ड और जिला सैनिक बोर्डों में रिक्त पदों को भरने के द्वारा अपने पूर्ण सहयोग का विस्तार. अपनी ही ओर से केन्द्रीय सरकार के कार्यालय और राज्य और जिला सैनिक बोर्डों पर खर्च वेतन के लिए अपने योगदान इजाफा किया है. श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि 50:50 के मौजूदा अनुपात से 75:25 दूसरे राज्यों के मामलों में और राज्यों में 60:40 की विशेष श्रेणी के मामले में वृद्धि परिचालन जल्द ही किया जाएगा ".
दोहराते हैं कि सरकार ने देश भर में एक और 199 पालीक्लिनिक की स्थापना और भी भूतपूर्व सैनिक अंशदायी स्वास्थ्य (ईसीएचएस) योजना, के रूप में केन्द्रीय मंत्रिमंडल द्वारा अनुमोदित के दूसरे चरण के तहत नेपाल में प्रतिबद्ध है, श्री एंटनी राज्यों से आह्वान किया कि प्रदान जल्द से जल्द इस प्रयोजन के लिए भूमि.
"मनी समस्या नहीं है, भूमि अधिग्रहण और निर्माण की प्रक्रिया के लिए किया जाना चाहिए. श्री एंटनी ने कहा कि मुझे कोई संदेह नहीं है कि राज्य सरकारें सभी बाधाओं को दूर करने और इन पालीक्लिनिक बहुत जल्द से जल्द कार्यात्मक बनाने में सभी आवश्यक सहायता प्रदान करेगा है. "
सभा को संबोधित करते हुए रक्षा मंत्री श्री एम एम पल्लम राजू राज्यमंत्री ने घोषणा की कि पूर्व सैनिकों के लिए एक शिकायत आईटी समर्थित निवारण तंत्र स्थापित किया जा रहा करने की प्रक्रिया है कि उनकी समस्याओं को हल करने के प्रयासों का अधिकार जिला स्तर तक करना होगा में है .
पंजाब के राज्यपाल श्री शिवराज पाटिल, हरियाणा श्री भूपेन्द्र हुड्डा और दिल्ली, श्रीमती के मुख्यमंत्री के मुख्यमंत्री. शीला दीक्षित, वायुसेनाध्यक्ष एयर चीफ मार्शल पीवी नाइक और सेना प्रमुख जनरल वीके सिंह के मुख्यमंत्री के कई मंत्रियों और वरिष्ठ अधिकारियों के अलावा मुख्यमंत्री, विचार विमर्श में भाग लिया.
पीके / / एचएच एनएन (रिलीज आईडी: 72886)
एंटनी राज्यों को पूर्व सैनिकों के लिए अधिक रास्ते खोलने के लिए पूछता है
Antony Asks States to open up more Avenues for Ex-Servicemen
PIB Ministry of Defence 27 June, 2011 17:57 IST
Presiding over the 29th Meeting of the Kendriya Sainik Board, the apex body of the Central Government and States/UTs for Ex-Servicemen Welfare (ESW), here today, Shri Antony said the nation cannot afford to waste this vast reservoir of disciplined workforce bearing skills in a wide range of trades.
“Sometime back I had written to Chief Ministers of all states to provide more avenues of employment for Ex-Servicemen. You must devise ways and means to open up more fields of economic activity where the rich and practical experience of Ex-Servicemen can best be utilized. I also urge all the State Governments to take steps to ensure that the provision for reservation in jobs for Ex-Servicemen provide tangible employment opportunities on the ground for Ex-Servicemen,” Shri Antony said.
Pointing out that about 50 to 60 thousand defence personnel either retire or are released from service every year, the Defence Minister said that most of them are in the productive age group.
“They possess hands-on work experience in about 300 trades and are a young, disciplined workforce that can be of immense benefit for the society and the nation. We cannot afford to waste such a young and vastly trained reservoir of wokforce,” Shri Antony said.
The Defence Minister also expressed concern on jobs earmarked for Ex-Servicemen lying vacant for long in the central and state governments.
“I wish to exhort all the Ministries and Departments under the Central Government to do their best to fill all the existing vacancies earmarked for Ex-Servicemen. Of late I find, instead of filling vacancies, they are rather taking away the (Ex-Servicemen) vacancies on one plea or the other,” Shri Antony said. “This must not be encouraged,” he remarked tersely.
Calling upon the public and private sector to provide maximum opportunities to the Ex-Servicemen, the Defence Minister observed that the benefits of reemployment were not percolating to the lowest ranks.
“The corporate and industrial sector has provided employment to several Ex-Servicemen. However, while most of these reemployed personnel are from the Officer level, it has come to our notice that there are not enough jobs for PBORs (Personnel Below Officer Rank). I am sure that the corporate and the private sector leaders will devote their energies to this aspect too,” Shri Antony said.
The Defence Minister announced that the Central Government has hiked its share of contribution to the functioning of Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards.
“…I strongly appeal to the Chief Ministers to extend their full cooperation by filling up vacant posts in Rajya Sainik Boards and Zila Sainik Boards. On its own part, Central Government has enhanced its contribution for office expenditure and salaries at Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards. The enhancement from the existing ratio of 50:50 to 75:25 in case of special category of states and 60:40 in cases of other states will be operational soon,” Shri Antony said.
Reiterating that the Government is committed to setting up another 199 polyclinics across the country and also in Nepal under the second phase of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), as approved by the Union Cabinet, Shri Antony called upon the states to provide the land for purpose at the earliest.
“Money is not the problem; process of land acquisition and construction needs to be done. I have no doubt that the State Governments will provide all the necessary assistance in removing all obstacles and making these polyclinics functional at the very earliest,” Shri Antony said.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju announced that an IT-enabled Grievance Redressal Mechanism for the Ex-Servicemen is in the process of being set up that would make efforts to resolve their problems right up to the district level.
The Governor of Punjab, Shri Shivraj Patil, Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Bhupinder Hooda and Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Shiela Dikshit, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal PV Naik and Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh, besides several state ministers and top officials took part in the deliberations. PK/HH/NN (Release ID :72886)
Antony Asks States to open up more Avenues for Ex-Servicemen
Presiding over the 29th Meeting of the Kendriya Sainik Board, the apex body of the Central Government and States/UTs for Ex-Servicemen Welfare (ESW), here today, Shri Antony said the nation cannot afford to waste this vast reservoir of disciplined workforce bearing skills in a wide range of trades.
“Sometime back I had written to Chief Ministers of all states to provide more avenues of employment for Ex-Servicemen. You must devise ways and means to open up more fields of economic activity where the rich and practical experience of Ex-Servicemen can best be utilized. I also urge all the State Governments to take steps to ensure that the provision for reservation in jobs for Ex-Servicemen provide tangible employment opportunities on the ground for Ex-Servicemen,” Shri Antony said.
Pointing out that about 50 to 60 thousand defence personnel either retire or are released from service every year, the Defence Minister said that most of them are in the productive age group.
“They possess hands-on work experience in about 300 trades and are a young, disciplined workforce that can be of immense benefit for the society and the nation. We cannot afford to waste such a young and vastly trained reservoir of wokforce,” Shri Antony said.
The Defence Minister also expressed concern on jobs earmarked for Ex-Servicemen lying vacant for long in the central and state governments.
“I wish to exhort all the Ministries and Departments under the Central Government to do their best to fill all the existing vacancies earmarked for Ex-Servicemen. Of late I find, instead of filling vacancies, they are rather taking away the (Ex-Servicemen) vacancies on one plea or the other,” Shri Antony said. “This must not be encouraged,” he remarked tersely.
Calling upon the public and private sector to provide maximum opportunities to the Ex-Servicemen, the Defence Minister observed that the benefits of reemployment were not percolating to the lowest ranks.
“The corporate and industrial sector has provided employment to several Ex-Servicemen. However, while most of these reemployed personnel are from the Officer level, it has come to our notice that there are not enough jobs for PBORs (Personnel Below Officer Rank). I am sure that the corporate and the private sector leaders will devote their energies to this aspect too,” Shri Antony said.
The Defence Minister announced that the Central Government has hiked its share of contribution to the functioning of Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards.
“…I strongly appeal to the Chief Ministers to extend their full cooperation by filling up vacant posts in Rajya Sainik Boards and Zila Sainik Boards. On its own part, Central Government has enhanced its contribution for office expenditure and salaries at Rajya and Zila Sainik Boards. The enhancement from the existing ratio of 50:50 to 75:25 in case of special category of states and 60:40 in cases of other states will be operational soon,” Shri Antony said.
Reiterating that the Government is committed to setting up another 199 polyclinics across the country and also in Nepal under the second phase of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), as approved by the Union Cabinet, Shri Antony called upon the states to provide the land for purpose at the earliest.
“Money is not the problem; process of land acquisition and construction needs to be done. I have no doubt that the State Governments will provide all the necessary assistance in removing all obstacles and making these polyclinics functional at the very earliest,” Shri Antony said.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister of State for Defence Shri MM Pallam Raju announced that an IT-enabled Grievance Redressal Mechanism for the Ex-Servicemen is in the process of being set up that would make efforts to resolve their problems right up to the district level.
The Governor of Punjab, Shri Shivraj Patil, Chief Minister of Haryana, Shri Bhupinder Hooda and Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Shiela Dikshit, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal PV Naik and Chief of Army Staff General VK Singh, besides several state ministers and top officials took part in the deliberations. PK/HH/NN (Release ID :72886)
Antony Asks States to open up more Avenues for Ex-Servicemen
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
ECHS: Bureaucratic hurdles sans Automation- Veterans health a Casualty
Letter to MD ECHS
From: vinay shankar
Date: Tue, Jun 14, 2011 at 6:13 PM
Subject: ECHS issues
To: mdechs@yahoo.com
Dear Gen,
I sent an sms expressing my desire to talk to you. Since I did not receive any response I am sending this mail. I have for a variety of reasons been a reluctant user of the ECHS facilities. However a few months ago I decided that since this is a entitled facility I am being foolish by not availing of the ECHS. In this context I wish to share my two recent experiences:
First Experience
My wife was admitted in the RR at about midday last week. The consulting physician wanted an urgent CT scan done on her. Since this facility was not available with the RR and it would take about 2-3 days to get a slot at the Base Hospital I was advised to go down to the ECHS office located within the RR premises. Met the OC of the ECHS. He saw my ECHS card and said that I would have to go to the Gurgaon Polyclinic since that was my dependency. I pointed out that if I were to go to Gurgaon at that time by the time I reached the ECHS timings would be over. He then telephoned the OC of the Base Hospital ECHS and requested him to do the needful. I reached the Base Hospital ECHS by about 1345h. Had to wait for the lunch break to be over. Managed to meet the OC by about 1405h. He immediately ordered his staff to do the necessary paper work. Must concede it was done in quick time and an ambulance from the clinic where I was supposed to go was also arranged. The place was Star Diagnostics in Tilak Nagar. The OCs staff also advised me to carry the complete case sheet in addition to the Form that they had provided. Later when I was on my way to the RR I looked at the Referral Form that the ECHS had given me. It curiously had a stamp to indicate that the choice of Star Diagnostics was mine. You can draw your own inference on this. At no time was I given options from which I could choose. When taking my wife from the RR I asked the Duty NO for my wife's case sheet. She firmly indicated that that was not required and the Polyclinic form would be enough. At the Star Clinic the moment the receptionist was handed over the ECHS form her attitude became somewhat discourteous. She asked for the case sheet and when I said that I do not have it she responded to say that then the test cannot be done. After about half an hour's telephonic back and forth she agreed to the test provided I committed to bringing the case sheet when we went to collect the report. I again responded that I will bring it if the hospital authorities agree to giving me the case sheet. Altogether we found the attitude of all the staff at the Star Clinic that gave one the feeling of being talked down to, as if every one was doing you a favour. Again before going to collect the report we asked for the case sheet. As expected that was declined. Consequently after a fair amount of haggling and complaining we managed to obtain the report. To say the least the experience was quite harrowing.
The Second Experience
In May I had gone to the ECHS to get a referral to have my eyes checked for cataract. I was given the form for Eye Q Hospital at Gurgaon. Again without being offered options. Due to various commitments I could not visit the Eye Hospital since then. This morning when I went to the hospital I was told that the validity of the referral is only for a week and that I will have to obtain a fresh one. From the Eye Hospital I went down the office of the OC ECHS Gurgaon. Entered his office wished him 'good morning and then sat down. The OC did not deign to acknowledge my greetings. After his staff left the office he turned to me with an inquiring look. I placed the referral papers in front of him and pointed out that though the form does not any where indicate a time limit the Hospital had declined to accept the form. He aggressively asked why had I not gone immediately after obtaining the referral. I explained that some unexpected commitments had cropped so I could not go and also pointed out that the stipulation of one week should have been pointed out to me. Now he rudely responded to say that it was my responsibility to have found out. Before leaving his office I also pointed out that he could consider responding to greetings from visitors since he had not acknowledged my 'good morning'. He did not take that well either. I fully understand the complexity and the challenges of running this organisation. Yet I believe it is my duty to bring to your notice what users experience.
With regards,
LT Gen (retd) Vinay Shankar
From: vinay shankar
Date: Tue, Jun 14, 2011 at 6:13 PM
Subject: ECHS issues
To: mdechs@yahoo.com
Dear Gen,
I sent an sms expressing my desire to talk to you. Since I did not receive any response I am sending this mail. I have for a variety of reasons been a reluctant user of the ECHS facilities. However a few months ago I decided that since this is a entitled facility I am being foolish by not availing of the ECHS. In this context I wish to share my two recent experiences:
My wife was admitted in the RR at about midday last week. The consulting physician wanted an urgent CT scan done on her. Since this facility was not available with the RR and it would take about 2-3 days to get a slot at the Base Hospital I was advised to go down to the ECHS office located within the RR premises. Met the OC of the ECHS. He saw my ECHS card and said that I would have to go to the Gurgaon Polyclinic since that was my dependency. I pointed out that if I were to go to Gurgaon at that time by the time I reached the ECHS timings would be over. He then telephoned the OC of the Base Hospital ECHS and requested him to do the needful. I reached the Base Hospital ECHS by about 1345h. Had to wait for the lunch break to be over. Managed to meet the OC by about 1405h. He immediately ordered his staff to do the necessary paper work. Must concede it was done in quick time and an ambulance from the clinic where I was supposed to go was also arranged. The place was Star Diagnostics in Tilak Nagar. The OCs staff also advised me to carry the complete case sheet in addition to the Form that they had provided. Later when I was on my way to the RR I looked at the Referral Form that the ECHS had given me. It curiously had a stamp to indicate that the choice of Star Diagnostics was mine. You can draw your own inference on this. At no time was I given options from which I could choose. When taking my wife from the RR I asked the Duty NO for my wife's case sheet. She firmly indicated that that was not required and the Polyclinic form would be enough. At the Star Clinic the moment the receptionist was handed over the ECHS form her attitude became somewhat discourteous. She asked for the case sheet and when I said that I do not have it she responded to say that then the test cannot be done. After about half an hour's telephonic back and forth she agreed to the test provided I committed to bringing the case sheet when we went to collect the report. I again responded that I will bring it if the hospital authorities agree to giving me the case sheet. Altogether we found the attitude of all the staff at the Star Clinic that gave one the feeling of being talked down to, as if every one was doing you a favour. Again before going to collect the report we asked for the case sheet. As expected that was declined. Consequently after a fair amount of haggling and complaining we managed to obtain the report. To say the least the experience was quite harrowing.
In May I had gone to the ECHS to get a referral to have my eyes checked for cataract. I was given the form for Eye Q Hospital at Gurgaon. Again without being offered options. Due to various commitments I could not visit the Eye Hospital since then. This morning when I went to the hospital I was told that the validity of the referral is only for a week and that I will have to obtain a fresh one. From the Eye Hospital I went down the office of the OC ECHS Gurgaon. Entered his office wished him 'good morning and then sat down. The OC did not deign to acknowledge my greetings. After his staff left the office he turned to me with an inquiring look. I placed the referral papers in front of him and pointed out that though the form does not any where indicate a time limit the Hospital had declined to accept the form. He aggressively asked why had I not gone immediately after obtaining the referral. I explained that some unexpected commitments had cropped so I could not go and also pointed out that the stipulation of one week should have been pointed out to me. Now he rudely responded to say that it was my responsibility to have found out. Before leaving his office I also pointed out that he could consider responding to greetings from visitors since he had not acknowledged my 'good morning'. He did not take that well either. I fully understand the complexity and the challenges of running this organisation. Yet I believe it is my duty to bring to your notice what users experience.
With regards,
LT Gen (retd) Vinay Shankar
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
ECHS FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQs on ECHS
full screen link click here
General HL Kakria Takes Over as DGAFMS
Lt Gen HL Kakria has taken over as the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). Before taking charge as the DGAFMS yesterday, Lt. General Kakria was working as the Director General, Medical Services (Army).
An alumnus of GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Lt Gen Kakria joined the Army Medical Corps on February 14, 1972. A Post-Graduate in General Surgery and Orthopaedics from the Pune University, the General officer has been a renowned surgeon, teacher and an academician. He has published numerous research papers in various National and International journals. He was awarded the Major General Amir Chand award in 1990 for the best research work in Orthopaedics on Knee Joint injuries. An Executive Member of 'Bone and Joint Decade '(BJD) 2000-2010, Lt Gen Kakria has attained global recognition for his pioneering work in joint replacement and spinal surgery.
During his illustrious career spanning over 39 years, Lt. General Kakria has held key positions including Commandant, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt., Commandant of Artificial Limb Centre, Pune and Commandant of Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune. He has also held the staff appointment of Major General (Medical), HQ Southern Command and later became the Commandant of AMC Center & College. Appointed DGMS (Army) & Colonel Commandant on June 1, 2010, Lt. General Kakria has been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 1992, Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal in 2002, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2009 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011. DM/PK (PIB Release ID :72444)
General HL Kakria Takes Over as DGAFMS
FAQs on ECHS
full screen link click here
General HL Kakria Takes Over as DGAFMS
Lt Gen HL Kakria has taken over as the Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS). Before taking charge as the DGAFMS yesterday, Lt. General Kakria was working as the Director General, Medical Services (Army).
An alumnus of GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Lt Gen Kakria joined the Army Medical Corps on February 14, 1972. A Post-Graduate in General Surgery and Orthopaedics from the Pune University, the General officer has been a renowned surgeon, teacher and an academician. He has published numerous research papers in various National and International journals. He was awarded the Major General Amir Chand award in 1990 for the best research work in Orthopaedics on Knee Joint injuries. An Executive Member of 'Bone and Joint Decade '(BJD) 2000-2010, Lt Gen Kakria has attained global recognition for his pioneering work in joint replacement and spinal surgery.
During his illustrious career spanning over 39 years, Lt. General Kakria has held key positions including Commandant, Base Hospital Delhi Cantt., Commandant of Artificial Limb Centre, Pune and Commandant of Command Hospital (Southern Command), Pune. He has also held the staff appointment of Major General (Medical), HQ Southern Command and later became the Commandant of AMC Center & College. Appointed DGMS (Army) & Colonel Commandant on June 1, 2010, Lt. General Kakria has been awarded the Vishisht Seva Medal in 1992, Bar to Vishisht Seva Medal in 2002, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2009 and Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2011. DM/PK (PIB Release ID :72444)
General HL Kakria Takes Over as DGAFMS
Friday, May 27, 2011
Tall Promises for the Welfare of Ex Service Personnel
Union Minister of State for Defence M.M. Pallam Raju on Sunday 06 feb 2011 at Tadepalligudem said pensions, resettlement and the healthcare of ex-servicemen and widows were on the top of the Defence Ministry's agenda.
Speaking at an Army Mela here, he informed that the government had streamlined the pension payment system. A software was introduced in the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) office to check errors in effecting hikes in pensions in line with the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) recommendations. Similar software would be introduced in the State Sainik Board and District Sainik Board Offices across the country, he added.
Polyclinics
Mr. Raju said the government had recently sanctioned an additional 300 polyclinics as part of the endeavour to provide better health care to the ex-servicemen. Efforts were also underway to help the ex-servicemen have an access to the corporate hospitals. Resettlement courses for the ex-servicemen were getting fine-tuned in a bid to promote skill upgradation among them. The idea was aimed at preparing the ex-servicemen, who were used to do the conventional jobs associated with the refilling stations, toll plazas on the highways and security agencies, to take up the emerging and new generation employments like software as their second career. The Minister said the Centre had decided to increase its share of funds from 50 to 75 per cent for running the State Sainik Boards in a bid to provide more focus on the welfare of ex-servicemen and widows. The State-level boards are funded by the State and Central governments in a 50:50 ratio till now.
Welfare of ex-servicemen priority of Defence Ministry
Tall promises on paper- mission blunted by bureaucrats
Welfare of Ex-Servicemen and Their Resettlement by Sangeeta Agarwal
1. Introduction
Having given the best years of their lives to the country, it becomes a national obligation to resettle and rehabilitate the ex-servicemen.
An ex-serviceman is a person who has served in any rank, whether as a combatant or as non-combatant, in the Armed Forces of the Union of India, including the Armed forces of former Indian States, but excluding the Assam Rifles, Defence Security Corps, General Reserve Engineer?ing Force, Lok Sahayak Sena and Territorial Army, for a continuous period of not less than 6 months after attes?tation and has been released, otherwise than by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inef?ficiency or has been transferred to the reserve pending such release or has to serve for not more than 6 months for completing the period of service requisite for becoming entitled to be released or transferred to the reserve.
2. Administrative Responsibility and Organisation
The Central and states/UTs are jointly responsible for the resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen. The Kendriya Sainik Board, whose designation was introduced in 1951 for the earlier organization i.e. the District Soldiers' Sailors' and Airmen's Board, is the apex body at the Central Government level.
At the state level, the subject of resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen is allocated to one of the ministers in the state governments and Secretary of the Department concerned oversees the work of the Rajya Sainik Board.
The welfare funds administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board are: Flag Day Fund, Armed Forces Benevolent Fund, Armed Forces Reconstruction Fund, Special Fund for Re?construction and Rehabilitation of Ex-servicemen, War Bereaved and Disabled Servicemen Special Relief Fund, India Solders', Sailors' and Airmen's Board Fund, Services Welfare Fund and Indian Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund.
3. Necessity of Resettlement Assistance
The releases from Armed Forces create a reservoir of trained manpower which can profitably be made use of in various skills; are a national asset and should be utilized as such. They should be merged in the mainstream of national life so that they continue to contribute their skills for national advantage. It is felt that any delay in resettling them will only cause dissatisfaction and frustration amongst them.
Resettlement on Land
The bulk of our Jawans come from rural areas with agricultural backgrounds. Resettlement on land, however, on a major scale is no longer feasible as land is increasingly becoming scarce. Effort is, however, made to persuade state governments to accord high priority to ex-servicemen for the allocation of surplus land.
Self-Employment
A large number of ex-servicemen have found avenues of self-employment by securing agencies of public sector undertakings in tea, fertilizers, cement, steel, salt, machine- tools, cloth, bakery products, petroleum items, photo-ma?terial, papers, transportation of scooters, milk-booths, elec?tronic goods etc.
In the field of transport, ex-servicemen are helped through provision of tractors, discarded vehicles, and bus, taxi and truck routes including allocation of national permits for transportation of goods. For those interested in starting small scale units, consultancy services are provided in preparing project reports. Assistance is given in securing finances from banks and in marketing of products.
Dissemination of Information
Dissemination of information in regard to benefits and concessions available to ex-servicemen and their families is of paramount importance. Apart from projection of resettlement and welfare activities pertaining to ex-service- men through different media of publicity, the Directorate General Resettlement, Ministry of Defense, has brought out a comprehensive guide to Resettlement of Ex-servicemen both in English and Hindi.
Comment. Very laudable goals. The welfare funds administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board are the Flag Day Fund, Armed Forces Benevolent Fund, Armed Forces Reconstruction Fund, Special Fund for Re?construction and Rehabilitation of Ex-servicemen, War Bereaved and Disabled Servicemen Special Relief Fund, India Solders', Sailors' and Airmen's Board Fund, Services Welfare Fund and Indian Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund. The utilisation of these funds are questionable and really not audited to ensure they benefit the deserving Ex Service Personnel. Only a small percent of the funds reaches the beneficiaries!
Speaking at an Army Mela here, he informed that the government had streamlined the pension payment system. A software was introduced in the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB) office to check errors in effecting hikes in pensions in line with the Pay Revision Commission (PRC) recommendations. Similar software would be introduced in the State Sainik Board and District Sainik Board Offices across the country, he added.
Polyclinics
Mr. Raju said the government had recently sanctioned an additional 300 polyclinics as part of the endeavour to provide better health care to the ex-servicemen. Efforts were also underway to help the ex-servicemen have an access to the corporate hospitals. Resettlement courses for the ex-servicemen were getting fine-tuned in a bid to promote skill upgradation among them. The idea was aimed at preparing the ex-servicemen, who were used to do the conventional jobs associated with the refilling stations, toll plazas on the highways and security agencies, to take up the emerging and new generation employments like software as their second career. The Minister said the Centre had decided to increase its share of funds from 50 to 75 per cent for running the State Sainik Boards in a bid to provide more focus on the welfare of ex-servicemen and widows. The State-level boards are funded by the State and Central governments in a 50:50 ratio till now.
Welfare of ex-servicemen priority of Defence Ministry
Tall promises on paper- mission blunted by bureaucrats
Welfare of Ex-Servicemen and Their Resettlement by Sangeeta Agarwal
1. Introduction
Having given the best years of their lives to the country, it becomes a national obligation to resettle and rehabilitate the ex-servicemen.
An ex-serviceman is a person who has served in any rank, whether as a combatant or as non-combatant, in the Armed Forces of the Union of India, including the Armed forces of former Indian States, but excluding the Assam Rifles, Defence Security Corps, General Reserve Engineer?ing Force, Lok Sahayak Sena and Territorial Army, for a continuous period of not less than 6 months after attes?tation and has been released, otherwise than by way of dismissal or discharge on account of misconduct or inef?ficiency or has been transferred to the reserve pending such release or has to serve for not more than 6 months for completing the period of service requisite for becoming entitled to be released or transferred to the reserve.
2. Administrative Responsibility and Organisation
The Central and states/UTs are jointly responsible for the resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen. The Kendriya Sainik Board, whose designation was introduced in 1951 for the earlier organization i.e. the District Soldiers' Sailors' and Airmen's Board, is the apex body at the Central Government level.
At the state level, the subject of resettlement and welfare of ex-servicemen is allocated to one of the ministers in the state governments and Secretary of the Department concerned oversees the work of the Rajya Sainik Board.
The welfare funds administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board are: Flag Day Fund, Armed Forces Benevolent Fund, Armed Forces Reconstruction Fund, Special Fund for Re?construction and Rehabilitation of Ex-servicemen, War Bereaved and Disabled Servicemen Special Relief Fund, India Solders', Sailors' and Airmen's Board Fund, Services Welfare Fund and Indian Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund.
3. Necessity of Resettlement Assistance
The releases from Armed Forces create a reservoir of trained manpower which can profitably be made use of in various skills; are a national asset and should be utilized as such. They should be merged in the mainstream of national life so that they continue to contribute their skills for national advantage. It is felt that any delay in resettling them will only cause dissatisfaction and frustration amongst them.
Resettlement on Land
The bulk of our Jawans come from rural areas with agricultural backgrounds. Resettlement on land, however, on a major scale is no longer feasible as land is increasingly becoming scarce. Effort is, however, made to persuade state governments to accord high priority to ex-servicemen for the allocation of surplus land.
Self-Employment
A large number of ex-servicemen have found avenues of self-employment by securing agencies of public sector undertakings in tea, fertilizers, cement, steel, salt, machine- tools, cloth, bakery products, petroleum items, photo-ma?terial, papers, transportation of scooters, milk-booths, elec?tronic goods etc.
In the field of transport, ex-servicemen are helped through provision of tractors, discarded vehicles, and bus, taxi and truck routes including allocation of national permits for transportation of goods. For those interested in starting small scale units, consultancy services are provided in preparing project reports. Assistance is given in securing finances from banks and in marketing of products.
Dissemination of Information
Dissemination of information in regard to benefits and concessions available to ex-servicemen and their families is of paramount importance. Apart from projection of resettlement and welfare activities pertaining to ex-service- men through different media of publicity, the Directorate General Resettlement, Ministry of Defense, has brought out a comprehensive guide to Resettlement of Ex-servicemen both in English and Hindi.
Comment. Very laudable goals. The welfare funds administered by the Kendriya Sainik Board are the Flag Day Fund, Armed Forces Benevolent Fund, Armed Forces Reconstruction Fund, Special Fund for Re?construction and Rehabilitation of Ex-servicemen, War Bereaved and Disabled Servicemen Special Relief Fund, India Solders', Sailors' and Airmen's Board Fund, Services Welfare Fund and Indian Gorkha Ex-Servicemen Welfare Fund. The utilisation of these funds are questionable and really not audited to ensure they benefit the deserving Ex Service Personnel. Only a small percent of the funds reaches the beneficiaries!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
ECHS: If a system is working don't touch it
I went to Noida polyclinic this morning. It is today, by far one of the best in the country. This transition has come about with the untiring efforts of Col Bhardwaj, the OC Polyclinic, over the past two years. Comfortable sheltered waiting areas, TVs, helpful staff emulating the OC who insists we come inside and sit down, before giving everyone a patient hearing. Waiting time everywhere has come down considerably. Things move smoothly. Really good. I learnt today that the Colonel leaves this assignment over next fortnight, since he has finished his contract of two years. I wonder if he would consider staying on. He tells me that is against policy. Really? I know for one, I and a lot many Noida ESM will be sorry to see him go. AND his successor has a tough task cutout for him to match the standards of courtesy, efficiency and administrative acumen of Col Bhardwaj.I saw a large crowd waiting to see Medical Specialist. L-O-N-G queues of impatient patients waiting for Darshan of the sole Medical Specialist. Earlier not too long we had two/ three.
Dr (Mrs) Agarwal, the other medical specialist had left some time ago, on superannuation at age 65. When Brig Tiwari expired soon after, she was reappointed and moved in. Queues could now progress faster. Now, moved in the Line of Communication Hqs. We all know the appointment of Doctors is 'Area Hq' Turf. SO, how could MD ECHS make this appointment, Area Hq wanted to know. They asserted their power and could prevail. Dr Agarwal is now out. We are back to the one medical specialist.
The above narrations point to a sad lack of development of the 'service industry' ethos in Fauji organizations that need to be more supportive of the needs of the USER, rather than the insistence on protocol, processes and of course egos. It is nobody's case that the present OC OR Dr Agarwal are indispensable. Only that a 'case by case' study of the situation needs doing. Shortly, we would be expanding the Polyclinic, the erstwhile MI room building has already been vacated and adjustments seem to have started. In the event, having the OC continue the good work would have been a good idea. I don't find it necessary, but must state that Col Bhardwaj is neither known to me earlier than my association with him after I started functioning as Coordinator of the IESM ECHS Division, nor is he going to pay me to write this.
Dr Agarwal. Ditto. If she was a surgeon I would perhaps feel her hand may quiver during a serious stage of an operation. But as Medical specialist, age 65 does not sound too high. Maybe she should have served us another year or two, till we found adequately skilled replacement. Why should there be a gap in the service. And I believe the GOC Delhi Area needs to be requested to review the decision. Again, I can't recall meeting Mrs Agarwal. I don't know her.
Would someone be able to take this forward? Thanks.
I am reminded of an advise I received from my Director when I joined the corporate the first time. "If something is working, Don't touch it".
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
We the ESM at Noida, request your help in ensuring that the contents of this email reach the authorities concerned.
Thank you.
Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj
Dr (Mrs) Agarwal, the other medical specialist had left some time ago, on superannuation at age 65. When Brig Tiwari expired soon after, she was reappointed and moved in. Queues could now progress faster. Now, moved in the Line of Communication Hqs. We all know the appointment of Doctors is 'Area Hq' Turf. SO, how could MD ECHS make this appointment, Area Hq wanted to know. They asserted their power and could prevail. Dr Agarwal is now out. We are back to the one medical specialist.
The above narrations point to a sad lack of development of the 'service industry' ethos in Fauji organizations that need to be more supportive of the needs of the USER, rather than the insistence on protocol, processes and of course egos. It is nobody's case that the present OC OR Dr Agarwal are indispensable. Only that a 'case by case' study of the situation needs doing. Shortly, we would be expanding the Polyclinic, the erstwhile MI room building has already been vacated and adjustments seem to have started. In the event, having the OC continue the good work would have been a good idea. I don't find it necessary, but must state that Col Bhardwaj is neither known to me earlier than my association with him after I started functioning as Coordinator of the IESM ECHS Division, nor is he going to pay me to write this.
Dr Agarwal. Ditto. If she was a surgeon I would perhaps feel her hand may quiver during a serious stage of an operation. But as Medical specialist, age 65 does not sound too high. Maybe she should have served us another year or two, till we found adequately skilled replacement. Why should there be a gap in the service. And I believe the GOC Delhi Area needs to be requested to review the decision. Again, I can't recall meeting Mrs Agarwal. I don't know her.
Would someone be able to take this forward? Thanks.
I am reminded of an advise I received from my Director when I joined the corporate the first time. "If something is working, Don't touch it".
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
We the ESM at Noida, request your help in ensuring that the contents of this email reach the authorities concerned.
Thank you.
Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj
Monday, May 16, 2011
Suggestions for Streamlining functioning of ECHS Polyclinics
I am forwarding this shocking mail for knowledge of the ESM community about the devil within. Pls share this with maximum people so it can perhaps reach the villains in this story through their friends. Names in this mail should identify who is who; and who did what.
For some of us the Sarkari Custodian attitude never goes away. We LIKE to sit on what is actually entrusted to us for others to benefit from. It is little wonder that origin of most of our problems lies in internecine rivalries/ perceived rankings/ priorities etc, forgetting that at the end of the game, the King and the Pawn go back to the same box. And the 'box' IS indeed the future destination of even the chess pieces in play.
From: rajeeve lochan
Date: Thu, May 12, 2011 at 8:51 AM
Subject: ECHS
Cc: Col RP Chaturvedi
Dear Brigadier,
As I am proceeding to USA to be with my son on the night of 19th May, yesterday (11.05.11) I visited ECHS Polyclinic Meerut and approached the seniormost medical officer (Maj Ambuj Goel) and requested for 90 days medicines, he informed that though the orders have been received but they have not been implemented and I should contact the O I/C polyclinic (Col D V Singh). He informed me that medicines for the purpose of going abroad are not authorised/permitted.
He mentioned that medicines for 90 days can only be given to patients of T B, Hypertension and Diabetes and that it has to be approved by the Commandant.
The medical officer made out a prescription and I went to the Commandant (Brig Pareek), I sent the prescription through his P A for counter signatures, first he called for the book and after that he called me and explained to me his financial difficulties and then he informed me that since I was residing locally why I need medicines for 90 days, I informed him that I was proceeding to USA for 6 monthe but I am requesting medicines only for 90 days which is permitted under the rules. Of course he did not take a minute and signed the prescription.
I request confirmation if for proceeding abroad the medicines are authorised or not.
We keep criticising babus and the bureaucracy but I think we in the Armed Forces have more bureaucracy than any where else.
May I have your reply pl. With warm regards.
Wg Cdr Rajeeve Lochan (Retd)
Payment of Medical Allowance
Dear sir,
I ex mwo holding ECHS card face lot of problems as the nearest ECHS centre is aproximately 110km from my native and the nearest city Ajamgarh which is hardly 30km has good hospitals where i can have the benefit of medical services privately. But to avail the facility from ECHS Faizabad i have to spend rupees 150 as a bus fare and minimum Rs.100 for lodging and boarding. Also, I have to waste two days for my normal treatments at the age of 65 this all becomes problem some to me. Hence, i am compelled to take the treatment from local doctors. I request you sir that my medical allowance may please be paid to me.
Thanking you,
RA Shukla.
Streamlining of functioning of ECHS Polyclinics
Some Suggestions
There is a need for officers and staff in ECHS Polyclinics to further improve the delivery of service to ESM beneficiaries. There should be a constant and conscious effort to redress most of the grievances and problems of these beneficiaries at the Polyclinic level so that there is no inconvenience caused to them forcing them to approach higher authorities for redressal of their grievances. The entire staff at the dispensary level have to ensure a polite, positive and responsible attitude to make the service delivery better. The Officer In-charge must make every effort to ensure this user friendly environment. Complaints of rude/ impolite behavior need to be checked and stern action taken by OIC.
It is well established that ECHS ESM beneficiaries need to be provided better service. Senior Veterans among the beneficiaries deserve special attention and response. It is re-iterated that senior pensioners need to be given out of queue treatment and service at each activity level. This system is generally not being enforced at the Polyclinic level. OIC's must ensure compliance of these instructions. All seniors of above 60 years need to be given this special privilege.
OIC's should personally make rounds of the dispensary particularly during peak hours to ensure that there is proper environment and ESM beneficiaries particularly seniors are being treated promptly.
The Station HQ responsible should convene the meetings of ESM Associations/ Organisations once in two months along with OIC Polyclinic for feedback and initiating remedial measures without fail.
A complaint/suggestion/feedback Box with details like number of complaints received and disposed etc. under a seal and lock will be kept at each Polyclinic and will be opened by the Officer In-charge in the presence of at least two members of the Advisory Committee when the Advisory Committee meeting is being held and necessary action taken by the Advisory Committee with regard to complaints/ suggestions/ feedback thus received and, wherever required, the matter will be referred to higher authorities for necessary action.
Stn HQ staff/ duty officers should conduct at least five surprise inspections of the Polyclinics in cities in a month and report the outcome of the inspection indicating the areas such as punctuality, availability and behavior of officers/ staff, special care for ESM/ Seniors, deficit areas/ complaints and also the good work done in each of the dispensaries inspected, by way of a confidential monthly d.o. letter to DG ECHS without fail on or before 10th of the succeeding month;
It is seen that a large number of beneficiaries go to the Polyclinics for taking repeat medicines. Authorization of repeat medicines should be done by any of the Medical Officers, apart from the Officer In-charge. Preferably the OIC must be the senior most Medical Officer. Non medical officers must be designated as Administrative Officers.
Stn Cdr should personally monitor and ensure that the empanelled hospitals etc. do adhere to the terms & conditions. They should also supervise the services, if any, being provided by the private parties in their zones such as dialysis, dental services etc.
Militry Hospitals must be requisitioned for all assistance and services for treatment of ESM by the respective Polyclinics before seeking civilian assistance.
For some of us the Sarkari Custodian attitude never goes away. We LIKE to sit on what is actually entrusted to us for others to benefit from. It is little wonder that origin of most of our problems lies in internecine rivalries/ perceived rankings/ priorities etc, forgetting that at the end of the game, the King and the Pawn go back to the same box. And the 'box' IS indeed the future destination of even the chess pieces in play.
From: rajeeve lochan
Date: Thu, May 12, 2011 at 8:51 AM
Subject: ECHS
Cc: Col RP Chaturvedi
Dear Brigadier,
As I am proceeding to USA to be with my son on the night of 19th May, yesterday (11.05.11) I visited ECHS Polyclinic Meerut and approached the seniormost medical officer (Maj Ambuj Goel) and requested for 90 days medicines, he informed that though the orders have been received but they have not been implemented and I should contact the O I/C polyclinic (Col D V Singh). He informed me that medicines for the purpose of going abroad are not authorised/permitted.
He mentioned that medicines for 90 days can only be given to patients of T B, Hypertension and Diabetes and that it has to be approved by the Commandant.
The medical officer made out a prescription and I went to the Commandant (Brig Pareek), I sent the prescription through his P A for counter signatures, first he called for the book and after that he called me and explained to me his financial difficulties and then he informed me that since I was residing locally why I need medicines for 90 days, I informed him that I was proceeding to USA for 6 monthe but I am requesting medicines only for 90 days which is permitted under the rules. Of course he did not take a minute and signed the prescription.
I request confirmation if for proceeding abroad the medicines are authorised or not.
We keep criticising babus and the bureaucracy but I think we in the Armed Forces have more bureaucracy than any where else.
May I have your reply pl. With warm regards.
Wg Cdr Rajeeve Lochan (Retd)
Payment of Medical Allowance
Dear sir,
I ex mwo holding ECHS card face lot of problems as the nearest ECHS centre is aproximately 110km from my native and the nearest city Ajamgarh which is hardly 30km has good hospitals where i can have the benefit of medical services privately. But to avail the facility from ECHS Faizabad i have to spend rupees 150 as a bus fare and minimum Rs.100 for lodging and boarding. Also, I have to waste two days for my normal treatments at the age of 65 this all becomes problem some to me. Hence, i am compelled to take the treatment from local doctors. I request you sir that my medical allowance may please be paid to me.
Thanking you,
RA Shukla.
Streamlining of functioning of ECHS Polyclinics
Some Suggestions
Sunday, May 15, 2011
ECHS Empanelled Hospitals
List of Empanelled Hospital and New Empanelment procedure: Government Orders
Dear Friends,
1. I spoke to MD ECHS on the Empanelment of super specialty Hospitals across the country. He has informed that the procedure of empanelment has been simplified vide Govt letter No 22B(04)/2010/US (WE)/D (Res) Govt of India Min of Def New Delhi dated 18 Feb 2011 (Copy enclosed for reference Please).
2. All NABH accredited hospitals will be considered deemed empanelment with Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme ECHS ie they will not be required to apply for NABH assessment but can directly apply to Central organization for processing the application for empanelment.
3. Let us circulate this information to as many as possible and encourage good super specialty hospitals to get empanelled with the ECHS.
4. The list of empanelled hospitals across the country forwarded by MD ECHS is circulated for information please.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman, IESM
List of Empanelled Hospitals: NABH
New Employment Procedure- Page 1
New Employment Procedure- Page 2
New Employment Procedure- Page 3
ECHS Empanelment Riders
Dear Sir,
This new empanelment procedure looks great on paper.But it has many short comings.
Please see the attached list of NABH hospitals country wide and you will see only 73.
The procedure and fees for getting the accreditation are also enclosed. The fees would be from 1.6 Lakh for upto 100 bedded hospital to Rs 3.3 lakh for 301 + bedded hospitals. In addition they would have to bear the expenses of travel/lodging and boarding of the inspection team. In addition to this the hospital will have to pay ECHS Rs 100 for application fee + 1.0 Lakh as EMD+ Performance Bank Gaurantee of Rs 10 lakhs. So even a NABH hospital will have to spend additional Rs 11 lakh to be on ECHS panel.
I wonder how many hospitals in small towns will be in a position to lock up 11 Lakh for 3 years to provide subsidized service to ECHS which has a small membership base.
It is worth a re-look at the grand scheme with a fine comb.We do need to augment our hospitals in Smaller towns and that is where the new policy pay be an hindrance.
Of course I am no expert but a common man's reading does not make this scheme very attractive. I as a doctor with may be 25 or 50 bed hospital common in small towns would not be willing to put away 11 lakh.
For consideration, debate and may be a suitable reply to MD ECHS.
Best Regards,
Ravi
Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak
Member Governing Body and Pension Cell IESM
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers: NABH
CGHS Empanelment Scheme
Kindly note that QCI recommendation regarding particular hospital/ diagnostic centre does not mean automatic empanelment by CGHS. QCI will keep on adding to the list as and when recommendation for individual hospital/diagnostic centre is finalised
List of Hospitals/ Diagnostic Centres
List of Hospitals/ Diagnostic Centres under Continuous Empanelment Scheme
Dear Friends,
1. I spoke to MD ECHS on the Empanelment of super specialty Hospitals across the country. He has informed that the procedure of empanelment has been simplified vide Govt letter No 22B(04)/2010/US (WE)/D (Res) Govt of India Min of Def New Delhi dated 18 Feb 2011 (Copy enclosed for reference Please).
2. All NABH accredited hospitals will be considered deemed empanelment with Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme ECHS ie they will not be required to apply for NABH assessment but can directly apply to Central organization for processing the application for empanelment.
3. Let us circulate this information to as many as possible and encourage good super specialty hospitals to get empanelled with the ECHS.
4. The list of empanelled hospitals across the country forwarded by MD ECHS is circulated for information please.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman, IESM
List of Empanelled Hospitals: NABH
New Employment Procedure- Page 1
New Employment Procedure- Page 2
New Employment Procedure- Page 3
ECHS Empanelment Riders
Dear Sir,
This new empanelment procedure looks great on paper.But it has many short comings.
Please see the attached list of NABH hospitals country wide and you will see only 73.
The procedure and fees for getting the accreditation are also enclosed. The fees would be from 1.6 Lakh for upto 100 bedded hospital to Rs 3.3 lakh for 301 + bedded hospitals. In addition they would have to bear the expenses of travel/lodging and boarding of the inspection team. In addition to this the hospital will have to pay ECHS Rs 100 for application fee + 1.0 Lakh as EMD+ Performance Bank Gaurantee of Rs 10 lakhs. So even a NABH hospital will have to spend additional Rs 11 lakh to be on ECHS panel.
I wonder how many hospitals in small towns will be in a position to lock up 11 Lakh for 3 years to provide subsidized service to ECHS which has a small membership base.
It is worth a re-look at the grand scheme with a fine comb.We do need to augment our hospitals in Smaller towns and that is where the new policy pay be an hindrance.
Of course I am no expert but a common man's reading does not make this scheme very attractive. I as a doctor with may be 25 or 50 bed hospital common in small towns would not be willing to put away 11 lakh.
For consideration, debate and may be a suitable reply to MD ECHS.
Best Regards,
Ravi
Cdr Ravindra Waman Pathak
Member Governing Body and Pension Cell IESM
National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers: NABH
CGHS Empanelment Scheme
Kindly note that QCI recommendation regarding particular hospital/ diagnostic centre does not mean automatic empanelment by CGHS. QCI will keep on adding to the list as and when recommendation for individual hospital/diagnostic centre is finalised
List of Hospitals/ Diagnostic Centres
List of Hospitals/ Diagnostic Centres under Continuous Empanelment Scheme
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
ECHS- MOD's Enhanced Cargo Handling System?
ECHS Seminar under ageis Western Command
Wednesday, 06 April 2011
CHANDIGARH: A two day All India Seminar on Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) concluded Wednesday under aegis of HQ Western Command. The Seminar was attended by over 40 senior officers from Army, Navy and Indian Air Force as well as a number of veterans.
Lt Gen SR Ghosh, GOC-in-C Western Command inaugurated it. The Seminar assessed the present functioning of the scheme at grass-root level, and identified areas which need special attention and evolve various measures to make the scheme more efficient and user friendly.
The ECHS was launched in April 2003 with the aim of providing Medicare and healthcare to veterans of the three services and to their families/ dependants. More than 36 lakh ex-servicemen, including their dependants are being covered under this scheme through 227 Defence Polyclinics and 1355 empanelled private hospitals of eminence throughout the country.
The number of Polyclinics would be increased to 426 by 01 Apr 2013, in order to take the Medicare to the country’s remotest areas as well as to Nepal.
Seminar on ECHS held at Western Command
Gen VK Singh COAS inaugurated Basantar Sainik Aramgrah at Panchkula
Punjab Newsline Network Tuesday, 05 April 2011
Gen V K Singh, COAS and Lt Gen S R Ghosh, GOC-in-C, WC having a look around the newly constructed Basant Sainik Aramgrah at PanchkulaCHANDIGARH: General VK Singh, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) visited Chandimandir Tuesday and discussed operational and training issues with Lt Gen SR Ghosh, GOC-in-C Western Command.
An important facet of his visit was the inauguration of the Basantar Sainik Aramgrah in Sector 2 Panchkula. The COAS dedicated this 56 room complex to the gallant veterans of the Indian Army who had devoted their lives in the service of the nation. The Aramgrah will provide much needed transit facilities to both outstations veterans and serving soldiers coming to the Tricity for medical treatment or for various other requirements.
The Army Chief also met the participants of a two day Tri Service Seminar on the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) conducted by HQ Western Command. He complimented all the participants for their dedication and commitment to make the ECHS a success towards providing medical care to the Veterans staying in far flung areas. He also listened to the problems of Ex- Service men during the inaugural function.
Gen V K Singh , COAS also laid the foundation stone of Basantar Senior Veterans' Enclave in the campus of the Basantar Sainik Aramgrah, Panchkula.
Basantar Sainik Aramgrah at Panchkula
OIC Polyclinic plays SMART card trump?
Apr 26, 2011 by sankhyan
I am writing this from Faridabad. ECHS polyclinic in Faridabad has became a rehabilitation centre for retired Commissioned Officers. They come to polyclinic and sit with any Doctor of their choice without their turn and remain sited (seated) their for a lot of time. No one in the polyclinic has dared to object them. Every person visiting ECHS polyclinic is a patient. Ill person has no discrimination. But the officials at polyclinic Faridabad has discrimination of a Commissioned Officer and Other ranks. If some one try to object the matter with OIC he threatens to suspend his ECHS Card.
ECHS Complaints
Tailpiece: How many Polyclinics provide working torch lights for their Medical Doctors?
Wednesday, 06 April 2011
CHANDIGARH: A two day All India Seminar on Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) concluded Wednesday under aegis of HQ Western Command. The Seminar was attended by over 40 senior officers from Army, Navy and Indian Air Force as well as a number of veterans.
Lt Gen SR Ghosh, GOC-in-C Western Command inaugurated it. The Seminar assessed the present functioning of the scheme at grass-root level, and identified areas which need special attention and evolve various measures to make the scheme more efficient and user friendly.
The ECHS was launched in April 2003 with the aim of providing Medicare and healthcare to veterans of the three services and to their families/ dependants. More than 36 lakh ex-servicemen, including their dependants are being covered under this scheme through 227 Defence Polyclinics and 1355 empanelled private hospitals of eminence throughout the country.
The number of Polyclinics would be increased to 426 by 01 Apr 2013, in order to take the Medicare to the country’s remotest areas as well as to Nepal.
Seminar on ECHS held at Western Command
Gen VK Singh COAS inaugurated Basantar Sainik Aramgrah at Panchkula
Punjab Newsline Network Tuesday, 05 April 2011
Gen V K Singh, COAS and Lt Gen S R Ghosh, GOC-in-C, WC having a look around the newly constructed Basant Sainik Aramgrah at PanchkulaCHANDIGARH: General VK Singh, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) visited Chandimandir Tuesday and discussed operational and training issues with Lt Gen SR Ghosh, GOC-in-C Western Command.
An important facet of his visit was the inauguration of the Basantar Sainik Aramgrah in Sector 2 Panchkula. The COAS dedicated this 56 room complex to the gallant veterans of the Indian Army who had devoted their lives in the service of the nation. The Aramgrah will provide much needed transit facilities to both outstations veterans and serving soldiers coming to the Tricity for medical treatment or for various other requirements.
The Army Chief also met the participants of a two day Tri Service Seminar on the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) conducted by HQ Western Command. He complimented all the participants for their dedication and commitment to make the ECHS a success towards providing medical care to the Veterans staying in far flung areas. He also listened to the problems of Ex- Service men during the inaugural function.
Gen V K Singh , COAS also laid the foundation stone of Basantar Senior Veterans' Enclave in the campus of the Basantar Sainik Aramgrah, Panchkula.
Basantar Sainik Aramgrah at Panchkula
OIC Polyclinic plays SMART card trump?
Apr 26, 2011 by sankhyan
I am writing this from Faridabad. ECHS polyclinic in Faridabad has became a rehabilitation centre for retired Commissioned Officers. They come to polyclinic and sit with any Doctor of their choice without their turn and remain sited (seated) their for a lot of time. No one in the polyclinic has dared to object them. Every person visiting ECHS polyclinic is a patient. Ill person has no discrimination. But the officials at polyclinic Faridabad has discrimination of a Commissioned Officer and Other ranks. If some one try to object the matter with OIC he threatens to suspend his ECHS Card.
ECHS Complaints
Tailpiece: How many Polyclinics provide working torch lights for their Medical Doctors?
Army Research and Referral Hospital Retrogrades ESM Health Care
Reference: Army Research and Referral Hospital Retrogrades ESM Health Care
Dear Gen (MD ECHS),
pl refer to above mail a copy of which has been endorsed to you. Being intimately involved in ECHS matters I would like to fully endorse the views of Gen Satbir. As I have said repeatedly the instances of mil hosps across the Country treating ESMs as an unwelcome load is more than adequately proven. The reasons are also well known . The armed forces medical fraternity feels that, the General Staff has appropriated to itself a function that legitimately belongs to them. This turf war between the two is unfortunately affecting the veteran population. What both sides to this unfortunate conflict fail to realise is that every serving soldier is 'a soon to be' veteran. What mil hosps fail to realise is that unlike the past where mil hosps were mandated to treat veterans based on availability of facilities and the OC hosps discretion, the situation today is quite different. Veterans today have contributed to the Scheme and can therefore demand medical cover from anyone tasked to provide cover under the scheme, which includes, empanelled hosps AND MIL HOSPS. We already have some ESMs approaching courts and tribunals in this matter. The next most unfortunate step will be ESMs going to Court against the Service hierarchy. THAT WILL BE A VERY TRAGIC DAY but will give our Babu hierarchy another reason to celebrate. Could these views please be passed on to the Chief and AG.
Regards
Brig Sateesh Kuthiala.
Date: Fri, 6 May 2011 09:28:07 -0700
From: mdechs
To: kuthiala
Dear Brig Kuthiala,
Last month of Apr saw ECHS being the focus of deliberations:
#5&6 Apr-at Chandigarh attended by reps of the three services, AG, Army Cdr, MG-IC-Adms of all Army Commands etc.
#Chief of COSC took up pending ECHS issues with Hon'ble RM.
#25 Apr-Improving Medicare in ECHS-attended by Secy ESW, Secy Def FInance & ECHS.
#26 Apr-Meeting with MoD chaired by COAS & Def Secy.
#27 Apr-Managing ECHS- agenda during Army Cdrs' Conf.
#28 Apr-Improving ECHS-review by RRM.
Also on 5 Apr ECHS 24X7 Helpline was launched by Army Cdr Western Comd.
COAS gave absolutely unambiguous directions to entire hierarchy. Armed Forces own ECHS, are the greatest stakeholders and would do all to improve and sustain it. Central Organisation is closely monitoring implementation of the COAS directions.
Offg DG AFMS is aware of the issues raised and has promised full support to ECHS including opening of ECHS wings in MHs where required.
On specifics now, You would recall that AHRR had as per earlier load appreciation only offered to treat ESM for Cardiology, Joint Replacement and Eye. Oncology treatment had not been made available and was ltd to consultation only. Brig AK Dhar and his specialty is overloaded and serving soldiers have to register at the reception and then at malignancy centre and thereafter wait for at least 2 to 3 hours in their turn.
What is not at all correct that for surgery patient has to get drugs and consumables from ECHS. We will resolve the issue immediately. Nothing is required to be carried (just recd a call confirming this from AHRR).
Navy and AF have been insisting on treating ECHS members in their own hospitals. Based on the request from the environment, we had to request them not to so insist as ECHS patients prefer treatment in hospitals nearer home rather than travelling to far away in heartless cities with no support. To enable full capacity utilisation of service hospitals for treating ESM, ECHS has started augmenting them with addl doctors. Gen Mathews (ex Comdt AHRR) has joined at Kochi. Hopefully more would join. Not for the compensation but for service to their brethren.
We are trying to improve things, pushing through odds. Team ECHS is constantly at work. Join in. All are welcome!
Regards
MD ECHS
From: brig sateesh kuthiala
Sent: 07 May 2011 09:49
Dear Brig Kamboj,
please see trailing mail (Gen Satbirs letter, my follow up and MDs response). Whereas there are problems and improvement is an ongoing process; what is heartening is the fact that we have an extremely caring and supportive Central Org ECHS. Whereas I can see that all questions with regards to Gen Satbirs letter have not been addressed specially with regards to why Army Hosps who have accepted to cater to ESMs cannot provide TOTAL treatment from consultation to post discharge care as required, I am of the opinion that we continue to give feed back and given the present totally positive response, matters will continue to improve. I am also aware that there are a number of veterans who feel that there are faults in the present org structure and micro management will not take us too far; we also need to look at the matter from the Service HQs point of view. Our top Services hierarchy is as committed to this cause as anyone can be. Those of us who have served at the Army HQ level and dealt with the MOD know only too well how Babudom and Netagiri function. These two roadblocks are a 'GIVEN' in any effort that we may make towards improvement in OROP-Pensions-Medicare and every other matter. So we will just have to 'Bash on Regardless'
May i request you to pass this on as a package to the environment.
Brig Sateesh Kuthiala (Retd)
Dear Gen (MD ECHS),
pl refer to above mail a copy of which has been endorsed to you. Being intimately involved in ECHS matters I would like to fully endorse the views of Gen Satbir. As I have said repeatedly the instances of mil hosps across the Country treating ESMs as an unwelcome load is more than adequately proven. The reasons are also well known . The armed forces medical fraternity feels that, the General Staff has appropriated to itself a function that legitimately belongs to them. This turf war between the two is unfortunately affecting the veteran population. What both sides to this unfortunate conflict fail to realise is that every serving soldier is 'a soon to be' veteran. What mil hosps fail to realise is that unlike the past where mil hosps were mandated to treat veterans based on availability of facilities and the OC hosps discretion, the situation today is quite different. Veterans today have contributed to the Scheme and can therefore demand medical cover from anyone tasked to provide cover under the scheme, which includes, empanelled hosps AND MIL HOSPS. We already have some ESMs approaching courts and tribunals in this matter. The next most unfortunate step will be ESMs going to Court against the Service hierarchy. THAT WILL BE A VERY TRAGIC DAY but will give our Babu hierarchy another reason to celebrate. Could these views please be passed on to the Chief and AG.
Regards
Brig Sateesh Kuthiala.
Date: Fri, 6 May 2011 09:28:07 -0700
From: mdechs
To: kuthiala
Dear Brig Kuthiala,
Last month of Apr saw ECHS being the focus of deliberations:
#5&6 Apr-at Chandigarh attended by reps of the three services, AG, Army Cdr, MG-IC-Adms of all Army Commands etc.
#Chief of COSC took up pending ECHS issues with Hon'ble RM.
#25 Apr-Improving Medicare in ECHS-attended by Secy ESW, Secy Def FInance & ECHS.
#26 Apr-Meeting with MoD chaired by COAS & Def Secy.
#27 Apr-Managing ECHS- agenda during Army Cdrs' Conf.
#28 Apr-Improving ECHS-review by RRM.
Also on 5 Apr ECHS 24X7 Helpline was launched by Army Cdr Western Comd.
COAS gave absolutely unambiguous directions to entire hierarchy. Armed Forces own ECHS, are the greatest stakeholders and would do all to improve and sustain it. Central Organisation is closely monitoring implementation of the COAS directions.
Offg DG AFMS is aware of the issues raised and has promised full support to ECHS including opening of ECHS wings in MHs where required.
On specifics now, You would recall that AHRR had as per earlier load appreciation only offered to treat ESM for Cardiology, Joint Replacement and Eye. Oncology treatment had not been made available and was ltd to consultation only. Brig AK Dhar and his specialty is overloaded and serving soldiers have to register at the reception and then at malignancy centre and thereafter wait for at least 2 to 3 hours in their turn.
What is not at all correct that for surgery patient has to get drugs and consumables from ECHS. We will resolve the issue immediately. Nothing is required to be carried (just recd a call confirming this from AHRR).
Navy and AF have been insisting on treating ECHS members in their own hospitals. Based on the request from the environment, we had to request them not to so insist as ECHS patients prefer treatment in hospitals nearer home rather than travelling to far away in heartless cities with no support. To enable full capacity utilisation of service hospitals for treating ESM, ECHS has started augmenting them with addl doctors. Gen Mathews (ex Comdt AHRR) has joined at Kochi. Hopefully more would join. Not for the compensation but for service to their brethren.
We are trying to improve things, pushing through odds. Team ECHS is constantly at work. Join in. All are welcome!
Regards
MD ECHS
From: brig sateesh kuthiala
Sent: 07 May 2011 09:49
Dear Brig Kamboj,
please see trailing mail (Gen Satbirs letter, my follow up and MDs response). Whereas there are problems and improvement is an ongoing process; what is heartening is the fact that we have an extremely caring and supportive Central Org ECHS. Whereas I can see that all questions with regards to Gen Satbirs letter have not been addressed specially with regards to why Army Hosps who have accepted to cater to ESMs cannot provide TOTAL treatment from consultation to post discharge care as required, I am of the opinion that we continue to give feed back and given the present totally positive response, matters will continue to improve. I am also aware that there are a number of veterans who feel that there are faults in the present org structure and micro management will not take us too far; we also need to look at the matter from the Service HQs point of view. Our top Services hierarchy is as committed to this cause as anyone can be. Those of us who have served at the Army HQ level and dealt with the MOD know only too well how Babudom and Netagiri function. These two roadblocks are a 'GIVEN' in any effort that we may make towards improvement in OROP-Pensions-Medicare and every other matter. So we will just have to 'Bash on Regardless'
May i request you to pass this on as a package to the environment.
Brig Sateesh Kuthiala (Retd)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Ex Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme Expansion
Expansion of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)
The Union Cabinet has approved (a year ago) establishment of 199 additional New Polyclinic including 17 mobile military medical facilities alongwith 15 New Regional Centres and re-organisation of Central Organisation ECHS. Authorising additional 67 officers and 270 ESM Staff at 15 New Regional Centres, Central Organisation ECHS and 2263 additional contractual employees for 199 new polyclinics will enhance quality of medicare provided to Ex-Servicemen.
Financial implications towards creation of infrastructure will be about Rs 141 crore. This will entail a capital expenditure of Rs 118.52 crore towards cost of land, construction and medical equipment. An amount of Rs 22.25 crore of expenditure will cover purchase of furniture etc, and IT hardware. On the recurring side, an expenditure of Rs 43 crore per annum is envisaged.
The expanded network envisages 426 polyclinics in 343 districts of the country which will benefit Ex-servicemen residing in remote and far flung areas. The expanded network envisages coverage of about 33 lakh beneficiaries.
Background: The ECHS was introduced with effect from 01 April 2003 to provide comprehensive medical coverage of Ex-servicemen Pensioners, war window and dependents by establishing 227 polyclinics at Stations with ex-servicemen population above 2500 through out the country.
A large segment of Ex-servicemen are staying at locations where there is no ECHS Polyclinic within a radius of 200/ 300 km causing great inconvenience in accessing medical facilities. To address this 199 polyclinic will be established in those places with minimum ex-servicemen population of 1500.
At present Ex-servicemen residing in remote areas where the ex-servicemen population is less than 2500, face a lot of inconvenience in reaching the polyclinics due to distant location varying from 200 to 300 km from their place of residence. The expansion of ECHS will provide easy access to health facilities for such ex-servicemen and their dependents.
Expansion of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)
Provision Of Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme Polyclinic at Churu
Military Engineer Services
Bikaner - Rajasthan - 01 April 2011 10:56:04 IST Commander Workers Engineer of Military Engineer Services, Bikaner invites tenders notice for provision of ex-servicemen contributory health scheme polyclinic type C at Churu.
Details
Tender Value INR 21,75,000/-
Project Period 6 Months
EMD INR 43,500/-
Category Recreational & Entertainment Classes
Products Health Consultant
Document Fees INR 500/-
Date 30-Mar-2011
Contact Information/ Contact Person- Commander Workers Engineer
Military Engineer Services Bikaner - Rajasthan India
Website http://www.mes.gov.in
The Union Cabinet has approved (a year ago) establishment of 199 additional New Polyclinic including 17 mobile military medical facilities alongwith 15 New Regional Centres and re-organisation of Central Organisation ECHS. Authorising additional 67 officers and 270 ESM Staff at 15 New Regional Centres, Central Organisation ECHS and 2263 additional contractual employees for 199 new polyclinics will enhance quality of medicare provided to Ex-Servicemen.
Financial implications towards creation of infrastructure will be about Rs 141 crore. This will entail a capital expenditure of Rs 118.52 crore towards cost of land, construction and medical equipment. An amount of Rs 22.25 crore of expenditure will cover purchase of furniture etc, and IT hardware. On the recurring side, an expenditure of Rs 43 crore per annum is envisaged.
The expanded network envisages 426 polyclinics in 343 districts of the country which will benefit Ex-servicemen residing in remote and far flung areas. The expanded network envisages coverage of about 33 lakh beneficiaries.
Background: The ECHS was introduced with effect from 01 April 2003 to provide comprehensive medical coverage of Ex-servicemen Pensioners, war window and dependents by establishing 227 polyclinics at Stations with ex-servicemen population above 2500 through out the country.
A large segment of Ex-servicemen are staying at locations where there is no ECHS Polyclinic within a radius of 200/ 300 km causing great inconvenience in accessing medical facilities. To address this 199 polyclinic will be established in those places with minimum ex-servicemen population of 1500.
At present Ex-servicemen residing in remote areas where the ex-servicemen population is less than 2500, face a lot of inconvenience in reaching the polyclinics due to distant location varying from 200 to 300 km from their place of residence. The expansion of ECHS will provide easy access to health facilities for such ex-servicemen and their dependents.
Expansion of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)
Provision Of Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme Polyclinic at Churu
Military Engineer Services
Bikaner - Rajasthan - 01 April 2011 10:56:04 IST Commander Workers Engineer of Military Engineer Services, Bikaner invites tenders notice for provision of ex-servicemen contributory health scheme polyclinic type C at Churu.
Details
Tender Value INR 21,75,000/-
Project Period 6 Months
EMD INR 43,500/-
Category Recreational & Entertainment Classes
Products Health Consultant
Document Fees INR 500/-
Date 30-Mar-2011
Contact Information/ Contact Person- Commander Workers Engineer
Military Engineer Services Bikaner - Rajasthan India
Website http://www.mes.gov.in
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
ECHS: IESM addresses pressing teething problems
Maj Gen A Srivastava, VSM Dated: 10th Feb 2011
MD ECHS
Central Organisation ECHS, Opposite
AFMSD, Maude Line, Delhi Cantt
SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING HEALTH CARE TO ESM THROUGH ECHS
1. This has reference to our tele conversation on the improvements required to make the ECHS more effective. Some of the issues are discussed in succeeding paras.
2. Empanelment of Suitable Super Superspeciality Hospitals. As part of their social responsibility, Superspeciality Hospitals of repute across the country need to be asked by the Govt to offer themselves to be empanelled to the ECHS to enable the ESM to avail cashless health Care facility. A recent case came to our notice, where in, wife of Hony Capt S N Sharma residing at Kanpur suffered two severe Heart attacks. To his surprise, he found that there was no superspeciality hospital empanelled at Kanpur where Cardiac Health Care was available. The Hony Officer did not have the necessary funds with him to clear the hospital bills. I had personally spoken to you about this case. He is running from pillar to post to get the advance to pay the hospital dues. Many more such cases are likely to occur. There is therefore, immediate requirement to take up this issue on priority and to empanel such superspeciality Hospital across the country. A compendium of empanelled Hospitals may please be put on website and also made available at various ECHS, Distt Soldier Board HQs and all India ESM organizations like IESM for further dissemination.
3. Construction of ECHS Polyclinic Buildings. There is requirement to construct suitable buildings catering for all modern healthcare facilities.The existing arrangements are inadequate and at many places ECHS are located at unsuitable rented accommodation. This is an important requirement for provision of efficient healthcare.
4. Authorization of Additional medical Specialist and Medical Officers. This point has been put up a number of times and deliberated upon. However, on ground very little has improved. Regional Commanders of ECHS need to be authorized to sanction additional doctors based on the accepted scale of authorization. Not more than 40 and 25 patients can be effectively seen by one RMO and a specialist doctor in a day. The scale needs to be strictly adhered to.
5. Availability of Medicines. There is need to expedite availability of prescribed medicines to the ESM. The existing system of the availability of medicines is unsatisfactory. We were informed that system of supply of medicines through empanelled civil pharmacies will be put in place. The same needs to be expedited.
6. Local Purchase of Medicines. The enhancement of local purchase powers of various types of ECHS has not yet been carried out. There is need to expedite the same. In addition, provision needs to be made to reimburse the cost of medicines which are NA in the ECHS and the ESM be allowed to buy from the market.
7. Processing of Hospital Bills. This has reference to the Govt plan to outsource processing of the Hospital Bills to ensure speedy clearance of bills. The same needs to be expedited.
8. Authorisation of Private Wards to Hony Rank Officers. Govt of India Min of Health and Family Welfare Department of Health and Family vide their letter No. S.11011/23/2009-CGHS D.I/Hospital Cell (Part I) dated 17th August 2010 Para 4.1, has authorized Private Wards in the hospitals for Civilian Govt employees with Basic Pay (without grade pay) of Rs 19540/- and above. However all Hony rank officers whose basic pay (without grade pay) is Rs 19540/- per month are auth semi private ward. This disparity needs to be removed forthwith.
9. Additional Servicing Points at the Reception and Registration and issue of Medicines in various ECHS. Over 500 ESM are visiting as OPD patients in Class ‘A’ ECHS. There is need to increase the servicing points for reception, Registration and issue of medicines. Two counters for other ranks and their families, One counter for JCOs and their families, one for officers and their families, one for Hony Officers and their families and for JCO/OR senior citizens and their families and one for senior citizens officers and their families are suggested.
10. May we have regular meetings, updates and early actions please.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
MD ECHS
Central Organisation ECHS, Opposite
AFMSD, Maude Line, Delhi Cantt
SUGGESTIONS FOR IMPROVING HEALTH CARE TO ESM THROUGH ECHS
1. This has reference to our tele conversation on the improvements required to make the ECHS more effective. Some of the issues are discussed in succeeding paras.
2. Empanelment of Suitable Super Superspeciality Hospitals. As part of their social responsibility, Superspeciality Hospitals of repute across the country need to be asked by the Govt to offer themselves to be empanelled to the ECHS to enable the ESM to avail cashless health Care facility. A recent case came to our notice, where in, wife of Hony Capt S N Sharma residing at Kanpur suffered two severe Heart attacks. To his surprise, he found that there was no superspeciality hospital empanelled at Kanpur where Cardiac Health Care was available. The Hony Officer did not have the necessary funds with him to clear the hospital bills. I had personally spoken to you about this case. He is running from pillar to post to get the advance to pay the hospital dues. Many more such cases are likely to occur. There is therefore, immediate requirement to take up this issue on priority and to empanel such superspeciality Hospital across the country. A compendium of empanelled Hospitals may please be put on website and also made available at various ECHS, Distt Soldier Board HQs and all India ESM organizations like IESM for further dissemination.
3. Construction of ECHS Polyclinic Buildings. There is requirement to construct suitable buildings catering for all modern healthcare facilities.The existing arrangements are inadequate and at many places ECHS are located at unsuitable rented accommodation. This is an important requirement for provision of efficient healthcare.
4. Authorization of Additional medical Specialist and Medical Officers. This point has been put up a number of times and deliberated upon. However, on ground very little has improved. Regional Commanders of ECHS need to be authorized to sanction additional doctors based on the accepted scale of authorization. Not more than 40 and 25 patients can be effectively seen by one RMO and a specialist doctor in a day. The scale needs to be strictly adhered to.
5. Availability of Medicines. There is need to expedite availability of prescribed medicines to the ESM. The existing system of the availability of medicines is unsatisfactory. We were informed that system of supply of medicines through empanelled civil pharmacies will be put in place. The same needs to be expedited.
6. Local Purchase of Medicines. The enhancement of local purchase powers of various types of ECHS has not yet been carried out. There is need to expedite the same. In addition, provision needs to be made to reimburse the cost of medicines which are NA in the ECHS and the ESM be allowed to buy from the market.
7. Processing of Hospital Bills. This has reference to the Govt plan to outsource processing of the Hospital Bills to ensure speedy clearance of bills. The same needs to be expedited.
8. Authorisation of Private Wards to Hony Rank Officers. Govt of India Min of Health and Family Welfare Department of Health and Family vide their letter No. S.11011/23/2009-CGHS D.I/Hospital Cell (Part I) dated 17th August 2010 Para 4.1, has authorized Private Wards in the hospitals for Civilian Govt employees with Basic Pay (without grade pay) of Rs 19540/- and above. However all Hony rank officers whose basic pay (without grade pay) is Rs 19540/- per month are auth semi private ward. This disparity needs to be removed forthwith.
9. Additional Servicing Points at the Reception and Registration and issue of Medicines in various ECHS. Over 500 ESM are visiting as OPD patients in Class ‘A’ ECHS. There is need to increase the servicing points for reception, Registration and issue of medicines. Two counters for other ranks and their families, One counter for JCOs and their families, one for officers and their families, one for Hony Officers and their families and for JCO/OR senior citizens and their families and one for senior citizens officers and their families are suggested.
10. May we have regular meetings, updates and early actions please.
With Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
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