Healthcare facilities review for ex-servicemen held

A collegiate review of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was held at the Western Command headquarters, Chandimandir, today, where measures to upgrade the healthcare facilities for defence veterans and their dependents were considered. Key initiatives discussed included revising of the common drug list, IT automation in polyclinics, mobile units for remote areas and a pilot project for home delivery of medicines.

During the meet, it also came out that five new ECHS polyclinics had been sanctioned in Western Command and 12 high-pressure polyclinics had been upgraded with additional manpower and equipment. An additional Rs 5.2 crore in welfare funds had been allocated for augmenting ECHS facilities.

Chairing the review meeting, Lt-Gen Manoj Kumar Katiyar, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command, emphasised the need to infuse artificial intelligence in medicine management and oversight mechanisms.