AYUSH Treatments Now Available to ECHS Beneficiaries: Policy Details Released

AYUSH Treatments Now Available to ECHS Beneficiaries: Policy Details Released

NEW DELHI: The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has formally issued a comprehensive policy to provide AYUSH treatments—including Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa, and Homeopathy—for its beneficiaries.

The policy, issued on 22 September 2025 by the Adjutant General’s Branch of IHQ of MoD (Army), aligns with the National Health Policy 2017, promoting integration of traditional and alternative systems of medicine alongside allopathy.

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Under this policy, all ECHS members with valid membership are eligible for AYUSH treatment. Beneficiaries have the freedom to choose either AYUSH or allopathic treatment, though concurrent treatment for the same ailment is not permitted, except in emergencies requiring lifesaving interventions.

Treatment will be provided through multiple channels, including:

• AFMS and Cantonment Board hospitals with AYUSH clinics (initially only Ayurveda).
• ECHS Polyclinics designated for AYUSH OPD.
• CGHS-empanelled AYUSH hospitals deemed empanelled under ECHS.
• Other government AYUSH facilities, including PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals, and National Institutes of AYUSH.

The policy defines treatment packages, duration, and reimbursement rules. For example, Ayurveda treatments may last up to 34 days, and Yoga & Naturopathy up to 28 days.

Package rates, including all hospital and procedural charges, will follow CGHS guidelines, ensuring clarity on costs. Additional or non-listed procedures require justification and are reimbursed on a case-by-case basis.

Accommodation entitlements are tied to rank, with general, semi-private, and private ward options and rates clearly specified. While emergencies may allow temporary admission in higher-category wards, billing will be based on the beneficiary’s entitled category.

Medicines for AYUSH treatment will be procured and managed by ECHS, with an initial annual ceiling of ₹3 lakh per polyclinic. Purchases are made primarily through IMPCL, with reimbursement following standard rates.

Administrative control of AYUSH staff lies with the Station Commander, with legal liability for treatment outcomes resting with the treating doctors or pharmacists. AYUSH staff are prohibited from prescribing allopathic medicines but may order investigations through ECHS facilities or referred civil labs.

All claims for AYUSH treatment must follow standard ECHS/CGHS procedures, with cashless treatment provided at polyclinics and empanelled hospitals, and bills submitted within three months of treatment.

The policy supersedes the previous 2018 MoD guidelines and adopts CGHS instructions, including periodic updates to rates, treatment procedures, and medicines. This initiative marks a significant step in expanding holistic healthcare options for veterans and their families under ECHS.