Government Extends ECHS Health Facilities to Medically Boarded-Out Officer Cadets
Until now, such cadets from institutions like the NDA, OTA and IMA, who often suffer lifelong disabilities, were not eligible for ECHS benefits as they are not accorded ex-servicemen status.
New Delhi, August 29: In a significant welfare measure, the government has approved the extension of Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) facilities to officer cadets who are invalidated from training on medical grounds attributable to or aggravated by military training.
Until now, such cadets from institutions like the NDA, OTA and IMA, who often suffer lifelong disabilities, were not eligible for ECHS benefits as they are not accorded ex-servicemen status. The new decision will cover both past and future cases, ensuring affected cadets receive quality, cashless healthcare without imposing a financial burden on their families.
Under the scheme, eligible cadets can apply for ECHS membership and access free OPD services at ECHS polyclinics, as well as cashless OPD, IPD, and diagnostic services at empanelled hospitals. Importantly, they will be exempt from paying the one-time subscription fee of ₹1.2 lakh that applies to ex-servicemen officers.
The government noted that while only a small number of cadets are impacted annually, the financial and emotional strain on families is considerable. Such cadets already receive a monthly ex-gratia payment and a disability award based on the severity of disability (20%–100%). With ECHS benefits, they will now be entitled to lifelong, capless healthcare coverage.
Launched in 2003, ECHS currently serves 63 lakh beneficiaries through 30 regional centres, 448 polyclinics, and more than 3,000 empanelled hospitals across India.
