By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 20: A ceremony was organised at the Rhino Training Centre, Shillong, by Ex Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Indian Army, HQ 101 Area, to mark the flagging off of a mobile ECHS polyclinic for Tura.
Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, who flagged off the ‘Clinic-on-wheels’, was effusive in his praise for veterans and the close synergy between 101 Area and the people of Meghalaya, even as he said that healthcare for all is top priority for him and such initiatives have his unstinted support. He applauded the selfless service of the veterans and said that it is the responsibility of the state to make sure that their requirements are taken care of in a befitting manner.
He also added that this mobile polyclinic is a small but significant initiative in this regard.
The CM also announced that he will be extending a financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh from the CM’s Special Grant for the initiative.
Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant General Sanjay Malik, General Office Commanding 101 Area brought out that this pioneering initiative will result in tangible improvement in veteran health care for Meghalaya especially for five districts of Garo Hills.
This initiative is expected to facilitate not just primary treatment but also referrals for cashless treatment, supply of medicines and emergency referrals. (Contd on P-4)
CM flags off mobile ECHS polyclinic…
(Contd from P-3) Senior dignitaries from Air Force, Police, Department of Health and Family Welfare were also present on the occasion.
The ECHS scheme was launched with effect from April 1 and is financed by central government. Under this scheme, ex-servicemen pensioners and their dependents are entitled for treatment free of cost without any cost limit in service hospitals and also in civil /private hospitals which are specifically empanelled with the ECHS.