The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a welfare-healthcare programme initiated by the Government of India to provide free or cashless medical care to retired personnel of the Indian Armed Forces and their eligible dependents.
Since 2012, ECHS benefits have been extended to Nepal-domiciled Gorkha (NDG) ex-servicemen and their dependents.
Comprehensive Medical Care — ECHS covers outpatient and inpatient treatment, surgeries, diagnostics, and medicines through a network of empanelled hospitals and polyclinics.
Cashless Treatment & Reduced Financial Burden — Beneficiaries enjoy cashless services, reducing out-of-pocket costs for themselves and their families.
Wide Network of Facilities — In Nepal, ECHS operates through polyclinics in Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Dharan, complemented by mobile medical units for outreach.
Eligibility — ECHS membership is available to retired servicemen (pensioners), disabled veterans, family-pensioners, their spouses, dependent children and dependent parents.