COVID-19: ECHS curtails physical visits to clinics, switches to online mode

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 16

Following a surge of COVID-19 infections across the country, the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has curtailed physical visits of patients to polyclinics and switched over to online consultation.

“All ECHS beneficiaries may be advised to log in to Sehat OPD for consultation of doctor and based on the prescription provided, medicines can be collected from concerned ECHS polyclinics,” a circular issued by the ECHS Central Organisation this week states.

The move to switch over to online consultation has been made to promote social distancing, avoiding unnecessary exposure to ECHS beneficiaries and reduce the footfall at ECHS polyclinics.

Some veterans, however, have pointed out that since they are required to physically collect the prescribed medicines from the polyclinics, it negates the purpose of online consultations. They have also suggested a system where medicines can be purchased online or from the market as has been permitted in cases of lifestyle and chronic diseases requiring long treatment.

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, an online platform and app, ‘sehatopd.in’ had been developed last year for the convenience of ECHS beneficiaries so that they could avail medical advice from their homes. It was launched as a pilot project in July 2020 and has since been upgraded and expanded.

All medical officers registered with ECHS for the online platform gave been directed to be available have been directed to be available providing online consultation on a daily basis. The platform is available from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday.