A representative picture of the file. | Photo Credit: PTI
The Government of the Union approved the extension of the benefits for the health of former servants (ECHS) for officer cadets invalid for training for medical reasons attributed to or impaired military training.
Cadets who join institutions such as the National Defense Academy (NDA), the Indian Military Academy (IMA), and the Training Academy (OTA) officers with the desire to serve the nation, often suffer from lifelong disabilities. Since they are not granted the status of former servants (ESM), they have not yet been eligible for ECHS facilities.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the new measures relating to cadets represented before the completion of training and future cases seek to alleviate the humanitarian and financial burden on the affected families. Without creating a Precedens for other categories, the government approved quality medical care for such cadets under ECHS, subject to certain conditions. Importantly, a one -time subscription fee for RS 1.2 Lakh, which is currently applicable to ESM officers, will surrender to these cadets.
While only a small number of cadets are influenced every year, their families face significant financial and emotional challenges. Currently, these cadets are provided with an ex-Gratia payment, along with the price of disability ranging from 20% to 100% depending on the severity. With the extension of ECHS, they will now have access to cashless and unconditional health care, including free OPD in polyclinic and treatment in Empaneled hospitals, the ministry added.
ECHS, which started in April 2003, provides comprehensive medical care to the former service and their dependent people through 30 regional centers, 448 polyclinics and more than 3,000 empaneated hospitals throughout India. With nearly 63 recipients of the Lakh, this program has become a vital pillar of good living conditions of veterans – has now expanded to support young cadets affected in a number of training.
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Published – August 29 2025 22:09
