GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

DEPARTMENT OF EX-SERVICEMEN WELAFARE

RAJYA SABHA

UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 21

TO BE ANSWERED ON 18^TH NOVEMBER 2019

MEASURES TO IMPROVE ECHS

21. SHRI RAJEEV CHANDRASEKHAR:

Will the Minister of DEFENCE be pleased to state:

(a)Whether Government has planned measures to meet the budgetary constraints being faced by ECHS (Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme);

(b)Steps taken to check and curb the misuse of funds in ECHS and inflated bills being raised by empanelled hospitals;

(c)If so, the details of the same; and

(d)If not, the reasons for delay thereof?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

(SHRI SHRIPAD NAIK)

(a)Yes Sir. An additional allotment of Rs.3,500/- crores have been sought to overcome the problem.
(b) & (c): Following steps have been taken to check and curb the misuse of funds in ECHS and inflated bill being raised by empanelled hospitals:
(i) Strict monitoring of bills is done and they are restricted to CGHS rates. Disciplinary action is taken against defaulting hospitals which includes suspension of referrals/financial penalties/disempanelment.
(ii) A detailed SOP for taking action against empanelled hospitals has been issued on 10.10.2019 by Department of Ex Servicemen Welfare, Ministry of Defence.
(d) Question does not arise.

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