ECHS Advisory: Strict Directive to Empanelled Hospitals for Providing Cashless Treatment to All Beneficiaries

ECHS Facility is totally cashless and the members are entitled to get free treatment in empanelled hospitals and polyclinics. However, it has been observed that the empanelled hospital demands money from beneficiary. To eradicate the problem, ECHS Authority has taken significant steps as described below –

On Dated: 04 July 2025 and advisory No: RCK/02/2025 Issued by: Regional Centre, ECHS, Kochi and the content is reproduced here –

In a significant move to safeguard the rights and benefits of Ex-Servicemen and their dependents, the Regional Centre, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Kochi, has issued a firm advisory directing all empanelled hospitals under its Area of Responsibility (AoR) to strictly provide cashless treatment to all ECHS beneficiaries.

🔴 Key Highlights of the Advisory

1. Violation of MoA by Empanelled Hospitals
   It has come to the notice of the Regional Centre that several empanelled hospitals are illegally demanding cash deposits from ECHS beneficiaries before providing admission or surgery services. This practice continues despite clear instructions from ECHS authorities. “Charging money from ECHS beneficiary by empanelled hospitals is a clear-cut violation of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA),” the advisory states.
2. Reiteration of Cashless Services Mandate
   The advisory strongly reiterates that all medical services offered to ECHS beneficiaries by empanelled hospitals must be provided on a completely cashless basis.
3. Unlisted Procedures
   In case of unlisted medical procedures, the instructions laid down in the MoA are to be followed strictly. No deviation from the stipulated terms will be tolerated.
4. Instructions to Medical Officers (MOs)
   All Officers-in-Charge (OICs) at ECHS Polyclinics have been instructed to brief Medical Officers (MOs) to properly advise the beneficiaries at the time of referral, clearly stating that no money should be paid to empanelled hospitals under any circumstance.

📌 Official Remarks

The advisory, signed by Lt Col Abhilash K, Joint Director (Est), on behalf of the Regional Director, emphasizes prompt action and compliance. The directive has been circulated to all empanelled hospitals and Officer-in-Charge of Polyclinics under the jurisdiction of RC ECHS Kochi.

A stamp from the Polyclinic confirms internal circulation and filing under policy matters dated 04 July 2025.

⚠️ Action Points for Beneficiaries and ECHS Staff

• Beneficiaries are advised not to pay any amount to empanelled hospitals.
• Medical Officers must highlight this during every referral.
• OICs should ensure strict compliance and report any violation immediately.

✅ Conclusion

This advisory is a welcome step towards ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in the healthcare services provided to ex-servicemen and their families. Any non-compliance by empanelled hospitals must be reported and dealt with as per the terms of the MoA to uphold the dignity and benefits rightly due to the ECHS members.

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