The Hindu : Front Page : Succour in their twilight years?

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 06, 2006
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Succour in their twilight years?

Amutha Kannan

COIMBATORE: While civilian central government employees have the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), ex-servicemen have the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). Surprisingly very few of these armed forces pensioners seem to be aware of this scheme. Coimbatore has more than 8,000 ex-servicemen, but there are only some 2,050 of them registered at the ECHS polyclinic at Redfields.

The scheme, that came into effect in April 2003, caters to the medicare of ex- servicemen who are in receipt of pension and also extends to their spouse, children and wholly dependent parents. When the pensioner registers for the scheme he pays a one-time contribution

between Rs. 1,800 and Rs. 18,000 depending on his pension.

Pensioners who retire after April 2003 compulsorily become members of this scheme. However, those who retired before April 2003 have the `choice' to become members of the scheme. Once they do, the monthly medical allowance of Rs. 100 that they get as part of the pension will cease.

Says Sudhakar Pillai, officer-in-charge of the Polyclinic, "The scheme for those who retired before April 2003 will close in April 2008. Consultation, treatment and medicines are free. Surgery and other specialised treatment can be availed of at the empanelled hospitals chosen by the Central Government. ECHS bears the expenses. "

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