In a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility for defence personnel and ex-servicemen, the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India, through the Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB), has issued an official communication regarding the launch of tele-consultation services through the E-SeHAT portal/app. This initiative aims to provide online medical consultations and medicine delivery under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
The communication, dated 21 November 2025, has been circulated to all Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs), Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs), and Union Territories, seeking wide publicity and awareness among Ex-Servicemen (ESM).
Background of the E-SeHAT Pilot Project
The E-SeHAT (Electronic Service Health Assistance & Tele-consultation) initiative was launched as a pilot project in October 2025, currently operational in Bangalore.
This pilot project is designed to test the feasibility, effectiveness, and reach of video-based online medical consultations for defence beneficiaries before rolling it out on a national scale.
Role of ECHS in the Tele-Consultation Framework
Upon successful completion of the pilot phase, the ECHS will formally integrate online medical consultation services into its healthcare delivery mechanism.
Under this framework:
- ECHS beneficiaries will be able to consult doctors remotely.
- Consultations will be secure, structured, and video-based.
- The service will operate as part of a controlled and monitored healthcare ecosystem.
This marks a shift from solely physical consultations at ECHS Polyclinics to a hybrid healthcare model.
Key Features of E-SeHAT Tele-Consultation Services
Multiple Modes of Consultation
E-SeHAT provides remote access to doctors through:
- Video consultations
- Audio consultations
- Chat-based medical interaction
This flexibility ensures accessibility even for elderly veterans or those with limited mobility.
Free Delivery of Medicines
One of the most impactful features of E-SeHAT is the free home delivery of medicines to:
- Serving defence personnel
- Ex-servicemen
- Eligible family members
under the ECHS framework.
Digital Platform Access
The service is available through:
- E-SeHAT Portal / Mobile App
- Official website: sehatopd.gov.in
This ensures ease of access across smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Beneficiaries of the Initiative
The primary beneficiaries include:
- Ex-Servicemen registered under ECHS
- Serving defence personnel
- Dependents covered under ECHS eligibility norms
The initiative is particularly beneficial for:
- Veterans living in remote or rural areas
- Senior citizens facing mobility challenges
- Families of defence personnel requiring timely medical advice
Directions to Sainik Boards
The Kendriya Sainik Board has formally directed:
- Zila Sainik Boards (ZSBs)
- Rajya Sainik Boards (RSBs)
- UT Sainik Boards
to:
- Give wide publicity to the E-SeHAT initiative
- Inform Ex-Servicemen in their Area of Responsibility (AOR)
- Promote awareness of tele-consultation facilities and benefits
This highlights the administrative intent to ensure maximum outreach and adoption.
Future Roadmap and Nationwide Rollout
The letter further clarifies that:
- After successful completion of the pilot project,
- The service will be launched nationwide.
ECHS and concerned sections will be kept informed to:
- Disseminate updates
- Coordinate implementation through RSBs and ZSBs
- Ensure smooth transition from pilot to full-scale operation
Administrative Authority and Authenticity
The communication has been issued by:
- Shailender Singh
- Colonel
- Joint Director (Welfare)
- For Secretary, Kendriya Sainik Board
This confirms the initiative’s official status and policy backing from the Ministry of Defence.
Significance of the Initiative
The E-SeHAT tele-consultation project represents:
- A major step towards digital healthcare transformation in defence welfare
- Reduced dependency on physical hospital visits
- Faster medical access and continuity of care
- Enhanced quality of life for ex-servicemen and their families
Conclusion
The launch of tele-consultation services through the E-SeHAT portal/app under ECHS is a progressive and welfare-centric reform by the Ministry of Defence. By leveraging technology, the government is addressing long-standing challenges faced by ex-servicemen in accessing timely healthcare.
As the pilot project progresses toward nationwide implementation, active participation, awareness, and cooperation from Sainik Boards and beneficiaries will be crucial in making this initiative a long-term success.
Download Govt Circular on this matter : Click here – Dowload PDF
