How to Surrender an ECHS Facility and Receive Fixed Medical Allowance: A Comprehensive Guide Thousand and even lakhs of ECHS beneficiaries have expressed dissatisfaction with the ECHS service. Over the past 20 years, ECHS membership has been mandatory for all retired military personnel. However, due to various reasons such as insufficient service, residing in remote areas, and other factors, many Ex-Servicemen (ESM) may no longer wish to avail themselves of ECHS benefits. In such cases, they have the option to surrender their ECHS card and receive a medical allowance at the current rate for life. In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of the process for surrendering ECHS facilities.
Why Surrender the ECHS Facility?
Before we delve into the surrender process, let’s understand why some ESM choose to exit the ECHS program. There can be several reasons:
Insufficient Service: Some beneficiaries may feel that the ECHS service in their area is inadequate or does not meet their healthcare needs.
Residing in Remote Areas: ESM residing in remote or far-flung areas may find it challenging to access ECHS-empanelled hospitals and clinics, making it more convenient to receive a medical allowance instead.
Personal Preferences: Some ESM may have personal reasons for not wanting to avail of ECHS benefits and may prefer to receive a medical allowance instead.
Now, let’s explore the step-by-step process of surrendering ECHS facilities and obtaining a medical allowance.
Procedure for Exiting ECHS Facility by Beneficiaries
The policy regarding opting out or exiting from ECHS has been established by the Chief Officer, ECHS. Here’s a detailed guide on how to surrender ECHS facilities:
Step 1: Application Submission
The primary beneficiary (the ESM) who wishes to exit ECHS must submit an application for surrender along with an undertaking, as per the authority letter provided. This application, along with the required documents, should be submitted to the Parent Polyclinic.
Step 2: Forwarding of Application
The Parent Polyclinic will then forward the application, along with the necessary documents, to the Chief Officer, ECHS, through the Regional Centre (RC).
Step 3: NOC Issuance
Upon receiving the application, the Chief Officer, ECHS, will review it and, if deemed appropriate, grant a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for surrender. The NOC signifies approval for the exit from the ECHS program.
Step 4: Revocation of ECHS Membership
Once the NOC is issued, the RC concerned will proceed to revoke the ECHS membership of the primary beneficiary and all dependents associated with the beneficiary.
Step 5: Medical Allowance
After successfully surrendering ECHS facilities, the primary beneficiary will become entitled to receive a medical allowance as per the current rate for the remainder of their life.
Benefits of Surrendering ECHS Facility
Surrendering ECHS facilities can offer several advantages to the beneficiaries:
Flexibility: Exiting ECHS provides beneficiaries with the flexibility to choose their healthcare services and providers.
Remote Areas: For ESM living in remote areas, surrendering ECHS and receiving a medical allowance can be a more practical option.
Personal Choice: It respects the personal preferences and choices of beneficiaries who may have specific healthcare needs or preferences.
In conclusion, surrendering ECHS facilities is a viable option for beneficiaries who are not satisfied with the service or have specific reasons for not wanting to avail ECHS benefits. It allows them to receive a medical allowance while retaining control over their healthcare decisions. The process is straightforward and ensures that ESM can access the healthcare that best suits their needs.