Dear Editor,
The contribution to the Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has been enhanced from Rs 60,000 to Rs 1.2 lakh. It is a welcome step, but there is a need to improve the functional aspect of the scheme. Lakhs of veterans visit the ECHS centres, but there is extreme shortage of medicines at polyclinics, patients do not receive all medicines in one go, some medicines are issued only for 15 days, forcing a second visit, some life-saving medicines have restricted supply and dental services lack expertise. Empanelled chemists shops on the lines of empanelled hospitals are needed.
Wg Cdr J.S Bhalla (Retd),
Chandigarh
