Dumka: In a step towards improving healthcare access for armed forces veterans, AIIMS Deoghar has been empanelled with the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ranchi, enabling ex-servicemen, war widows (Veer Naris) and eligible dependents to avail advanced cashless treatment at the premier institute.A memorandum of understanding (MoU) to bring AIIMS Deoghar under the ECHS network was signed on Thursday between the director, PC ECHS, regional centre, Ranchi, and the AIIMS Deoghar administration. The ceremony was attended by Major General Jitendra Singh, VSM, General Officer Commanding, Jharkhand, and Bihar Sub Area, and Colonel Mukul Verma of station headquarters, Ranchi Cantonment.The empanelment is expected to benefit around 1.2 lakh ECHS beneficiaries across Jharkhand and Bihar by providing access to specialised healthcare facilities at AIIMS Deoghar, reducing the need to travel to major cities for advanced treatment.Under the agreement, eligible beneficiaries will be entitled to cashless treatment at AIIMS Deoghar in accordance with ECHS provisions. The facility is expected to benefit veterans and their families in Jharkhand, Bihar and adjoining regions.Major General Jitendra Singh termed the empanelment a major milestone in strengthening healthcare delivery for the veteran community. “This partnership will ensure timely access to quality specialised medical care for ex-servicemen and their families while reducing the need to travel to distant centres for advanced treatment,” he said.“The association would bridge a long-standing gap in access to specialised healthcare in the region, allowing veterans living in Jharkhand, Bihar and adjoining areas to access advanced medical facilities closer to home. This partnership will play a significant role in ensuring better and more accessible healthcare for those who have served the nation,” he said.
