Shortage of medical officers at Vikasnagar, Dehradun based ECHS poly-clinic has been continuously increasing the plight of retired Army personnel as they are forced to visit Dehradun for receiving medical assistance.
Ex-servicemen lamented that memorandum highlighting the appointment of the medical officers was submitted many times to Government officials but steps are still awaited. Due to the non-availability of sufficient medical staff in polyclinic, the ex-servicemen, who are living in sub-urban areas of the capital city is forced to traverse several kilometers to military hospital to receive medical care.
It is also equally important to mention here is that Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) provides comprehensive medical cover to the ex-serviceman and his family who are in receipt of pension including disability pension and family pension, with no restriction on the type of ailment or the age of the beneficiary.
The card holder avails the medical facilities with the ECHS membership card. The patient will be treated or referred to the appropriate specialist for treatment, if clinic lacks particular medical facilities. While speaking to The Pioneer, Brig (Retd) KG Behl, former president, Dehradun Ex-Services league (DESl) said that the matter would be taken to the higher authority for redressing the grievances of the ex-servicemen of the district.
He also demanded from the State Government to take effective steps to enhance medical and health facilities at ECHS poly clinics so that ex-servicemen could easily get best and round the clock medical facilities at ECHS poly clinics.
It is also noteworthy that one of ECHS poly-clinic is also functioning at Garhi Cantt, Dehradun based Military Hospital campus, where ex-servicemen from across the State come to avail the medical facilities.