Ensuring Accountability in ECHS Card Usage: A Call for Transparency and Monitoring Mechanism
Recently, in a circular, ECHS has ordered all beneficiaries to submit a self declaration regarding not to indulge any malpractice related to unauthorised use of ECHS card/benefits. After a few days , ECHS has suspended the orders/system of submission of self declaration form. In this regard beneficiary veterans have submitted representations to take action in the matter of malpractice of ECHS cards by the stake holders i.e Polyclinics, Empanelled Hospitals/diagnostic centres and other stake holders. The matter described commonly in these representation are as under :-
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) is a noble initiative by the Government of India, aimed at providing quality healthcare to veterans and their dependents. However, recent developments have highlighted a pressing concern: the lack of transparency and monitoring mechanisms for ECHS card usage, particularly at empanelled hospitals. This gap not only compromises the integrity of the system but also places undue responsibility on beneficiaries, many of whom remain unaware of potential misuse.
Current System: An Incomplete Picture for Beneficiaries
As it stands today, ECHS beneficiaries have access to billing data only from ECHS polyclinics. Unfortunately, there is no similar access to the transactions carried out by empanelled hospitals. This one-sided visibility creates a critical gap, leaving beneficiaries unable to monitor services billed in their name.
Without access to real-time data or confirmation alerts, ex-servicemen and their families are essentially blind to possible fraudulent practices. Such opacity can be exploited by individuals with vested interests—undermining the trust placed in the system.
Evidence of Misuse and Internal Collusion
Reports and documented cases indicate that there have been instances of internal collusion between staff of empanelled hospitals and possibly unscrupulous individuals within the system. These actors allegedly exploit the lack of beneficiary oversight by generating false or exaggerated bills using forged signatures or unauthorized access to photocopies of ECHS and Aadhaar cards.
While current protocols mandate that hospitals collect original signatures and card copies at the time of treatment, there is no way for the beneficiary to verify whether the procedures billed actually occurred with their knowledge or consent.
The Burden of Responsibility: Unfair and Impractical
In light of the above, it is neither fair nor practical to hold ECHS beneficiaries fully accountable for potential misuse of their cards. The burden of vigilance must be supported by proper tools—empowering individuals to actively monitor and validate their healthcare records and expenditures.
Placing complete responsibility on the beneficiary without giving them the means to verify transactions amounts to administrative injustice. It fails to consider the limitations faced by elderly or digitally untrained ex-servicemen, many of whom depend entirely on the system’s integrity.
Proposed Solutions: Empowering Beneficiaries through Technology
To address these issues, the following mechanisms have been proposed:
1. Real-Time Monitoring via Digital Dashboard
A beneficiary portal/dashboard should be developed that allows users to view every transaction conducted in their name—especially those from empanelled hospitals.
2. SMS and Email Notifications
Each time an OPD/IPD service is claimed, the beneficiary should receive an SMS or email alert, ensuring real-time awareness of card usage.
3. Centralized Audit Log
A secure, tamper-proof log should be maintained, recording the date, service, amount, and location of all ECHS card transactions. This log should be accessible to both the beneficiary and relevant oversight authorities.
Introducing Self-Declarations from Officials and Empanelled Hospitals
In line with the recent practice of requiring self-declarations from beneficiaries during ECHS card application, a similar accountability framework should be extended to:
- Officials of ECHS polyclinics
- Regional ECHS centers
- Empanelled hospital billing departments
- Such declarations would act as a deterrent to malpractice and install a sense of shared responsibility across all stakeholders.
Seeking Clarification from Authorities
The letter also respectfully seeks clarification on whether any such monitoring mechanism is already in place. If yes, beneficiaries must be informed and educated on how to access and utilize it.
Clear and open communication between the ECHS management and its users is vital to ensure the success and integrity of the system.
Conclusion: Transparency is Not a Choice, It is a Necessity
As the ECHS continues to expand its reach and services, it must also evolve in terms of digital accountability and beneficiary empowerment. It is imperative that the system supports its users with tools that foster trust, transparency, and active participation. In today’s digital age, such mechanisms are not just feasible—they are essential.
The call is clear: beneficiaries are ready to participate in maintaining the integrity of the ECHS, but they cannot be expected to do so without support. By implementing robust digital monitoring, transparent communication, and collective accountability, the Central Organisation ECHS can take a transformative step toward safeguarding this invaluable healthcare framework.