Shillong (Meghalaya), Nov 17: In a first of its kind initiative of Ex Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Indian Army , HQ 101 Area , organized a ceremony at Rhino Training Centre, here to mark the flagging off of a mobile ECHS Polyclinic for Tura.
Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, General Office Commanding 101 Area brought out that this pioneering initiative will result intangible improvement in veteran health care for Meghalaya especially for five districts of Garo Hills.
CM Sangma, who flagged off the ‘Clinic-on-wheels’ was effusive in his praise for Veterans and the close synergy of 101 Area with the people of Meghalaya and said that healthcare for all is a top priority for him and such initiatives have his unstinted support.
He applauded the selfless service of the veterans and said that it is the responsibility of the state to make sure that their requirements are taken care of in a befitting manner. He also added that this Mobile Polyclinic is a small but significant initiative in this regard. The CM also announced that he will be extending a financial assistance of ₹5 Lakhs from the CM’s Special Grant for the initiative. Senior dignitaries from Air Force, Police, Department of Health and Family welfare were also present on the occasion.
This initiative will facilitate not just primary treatment but also referrals for cashless treatment, supply of medicines and emergency referrals. The scheme was launched with effect from 01 April 2003 and is financed by the Government of India .
Under this scheme, Ex servicemen pensioners and their dependents are entitled for treatment free of cost without any cost limit in service hospitals and also in civil /private hospitals which are specifically empaneled with the ECHS.
