Preventive check-up for ECHS beneficiaries soon

Vijay Mohan
Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 10

A system of preventive health check-up for beneficiaries of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is being introduced with the aim of early detection of medical disorders and timely intervention that could avoid lengthy and costly medical procedures.

“Since a large population of ECHS beneficiaries is above 40 years and in high-risk age group to develop various diseases, it is essential that a system be put in place wherein timely preventive screening for various ailments like lifestyle diseases, screening for common cancers in men and women, age-related ailments, etc, is done,” a letter issued by the ECHS Central Organisation states.

“This aids in early detection, monitoring, management and follow up of most of the common ailments besides being cost effective in long term,” it said. While a comprehensive annual health-check package would be outsourced, to begin with such check-ups would be done at ECHS polyclinics using existing diagnostic facilities.

The type of tests that can be undertaken and their frequency has been fixed according to age profiles. These tests are to be done once in five years for those in the age bracket of 40-59 years, once in two years for those between 60-79 years and every year for those above 80 years.