ECHS Referral System

 

🩺 ECHS Referral System: What’s New and How to Use It

The ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme) helps veterans and their families get medical treatment at government and private hospitals. In 2025, some important changes were made to make the system easier and faster. Let’s understand them in simple terms.

✅ What’s New in 2025?

• Referral Validity: Now valid for 3 months. You can visit up to 3 specialists and have 6 consultations during this time.

• Senior Citizens (70+ years): No need for a referral for OPD visits or tests like CT, MRI, or PET scans at empanelled hospitals.

• Hospital Admission: Still needs a referral from your ECHS polyclinic.

• Special Tests (above ₹3,000): Need referral unless prescribed by a specialist at an empanelled hospital.

⚠️ Common Problems Veterans Face

Problem	What Happens
Long queues	Waiting hours at polyclinics
No specialist	You may need to visit again or go to another clinic
Hospital confusion	Some hospitals wrongly ask for referrals even for 70+ veterans
Too much paperwork	Forms and approvals can be confusing
Lack of updates	Many veterans don’t know the new rules

🛠️ Simple Solutions

• 🕗 Go Early: Visit polyclinics before 8 AM to avoid rush.

• 📱 Use QR Referrals: Some clinics offer digital referrals—ask your OIC.

• 📞 Know Your Rights: If you’re 70+, you can go directly for OPD and tests.

• 📣 Raise Complaints:

  • Toll-Free: 1800-114-115

  • Email: dircomplaints-mod@nic.in

  • Online:

• 🚨 Emergency Cases: You can get treatment without referral. Just inform your polyclinic within 48 hours.

📣 Share Your Experience

Have you faced issues or found smart ways to handle ECHS referrals? Share your story with Sainik Darpan. Your voice helps others and improves the system for all veterans.

💡 Tip: Keep a copy of your referral and prescriptions. It helps during follow-ups.

Website : https://www.echs.gov.in/

Filling up of Application Form, not able to login, not able to open portal.: echs[at]sourceinfosys[dot]com

WhatsApp on
+91-7703818578 / 7701976194 / 8448086480 / 8448086481.

For any other issues please call on Toll Free No : 1800 114 115