Air Marshal DP Joshi, Director General of the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) assured the ex-servicemen of Odisha that they would soon see improved services under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS).
Joshi, who was the chief guest at the annual day function of the War Veterans’ Association of Odisha (WVAO) here on Saturday, said the AFMS still caters to more than 80 per cent of the requirements of ECHS members in the country and added that issues like supply of medicines and insurance cover are being addressed .
lt Gen Rajiv Bhatia, head of the Air Defence College at Gopalpur, spoke about the activities of the college in providing support to ex-servicemen of the nearby area. He advised the students of the Sainik School present at the function to do their favourite work with passion.
WVAO president Brig P Routray (Retd) said the State has over 3 per cent of the country’s population while its presence in the armed forces is less than one-tenth of a per cent. He urged the Sainik School students to join the armed forces.
WVAO secretary Maj RC Maharana presented the association’s annual report, which contained its welfare activities. It also contained the details of the Gallantry Awards received by the illustrious sons of the State.
WVAO vice-president Col PK Patnaik (Retd) welcomed the audience and Brig K Acharya (Retd) delivered a vote of thanks.
The Recognition of lifetime Achievement Award was given to ltCol ( Retd) KM Acharya. Wife of late ltCol MP Mohanty was given the award for her husband’s contributions during his lifetime.
Students of the Sainik School were given awards for winning different competitions organised by the WVAO.