A new Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) Polyclinic was inaugurated in Clement Town, Dehradun, in a significant step towards enhancing the welfare of veterans. The facility was inaugurated by Major General MPS Gill, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Uttarakhand Sub Area, alongside Major General Naveen Mahajan, GOC of the Golden Key Division. The ceremony was attended by retired Lieutenant General Sanjeev Anand and other senior veterans.
This comprehensive healthcare facility is expected to cater to the needs of more than 7,000 ex-servicemen and their families residing in and around Dehradun, thereby greatly expanding the reach of the ECHS network. The scheme, initiated by the Department of Ex-Servicemen Welfare, aims to provide quality and accessible healthcare services to retired armed forces personnel.
The Clement Town polyclinic boasts modern medical infrastructure, including spacious consultation rooms, diagnostic facilities, and a streamlined administrative setup. The establishment of such a facility was deemed essential, given that the demand for veteran healthcare services has surged by over 30% over the past four years, according to an Armed Forces Medical Services study.
During the inauguration, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by a guided tour of the polyclinic, where military officials provided insight into the available services. The event demonstrated a strong sense of inter-generational unity, with interactions between active duty officers and retired veterans, emphasizing a collective commitment to bettering the veteran community.
The polyclinic’s launch aligns with the Indian Army’s broader initiative, dubbed the “Year of Defence Reforms,” which aims to modernize support systems for veterans and their dependents. Officials expressed optimism that this facility would serve as a model for similar initiatives in other regions of the country, fostering improved healthcare access for veterans nationwide.
