Indian Army Launches Doorstep Medicine Delivery for Veterans in Southern Command
The Indian Army has taken a significant step to support its retired personnel. It has started delivering medicines directly to the doorsteps of veterans within the Southern Command. This new service specifically targets medicines that are not available at Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) polyclinics.
Expanding Healthcare Access for Veterans
Lieutenant General Dhiraj Seth, the Southern Army Commander, announced this initiative during the 10th Armed Forces Veterans Day celebrations. The event took place on Wednesday at the Air Force Station in Pune. Nearly 4,000 veterans attended the gathering.
The aim is clear. The Army wants to ensure that ex-servicemen do not face difficulties when prescribed medicines are unavailable at polyclinics. Currently, this doorstep delivery system is operational across the Southern Command. The Army plans to expand it in phases to cover more veterans nationwide.
Strengthening the ECHS Network
Lieutenant General Seth highlighted the extensive reach of the ECHS. Approximately 64 lakh veterans and their dependents benefit from this scheme across India. To further enhance healthcare services, the Army is actively working on infrastructure improvements.
Twenty-three new ECHS polyclinics are being established throughout the country. Additionally, 25 existing facilities are undergoing upgrades. Within the Southern Command alone, there are 116 polyclinics. Thirteen of these have already been upgraded, and 12 new clinics are currently under construction.
Holistic Healthcare and Grievance Redressal
The Army is also integrating AYUSH and Yoga centers into ECHS polyclinics. This move provides veterans with holistic healthcare options beyond conventional medicine.
On the administrative front, the Army has made substantial progress in addressing grievances. Over the past two years, it received about 2.56 lakh complaints related to pay and allowances. The Army successfully resolved 2.40 lakh of these grievances, achieving a resolution rate of nearly 94%.
This high resolution rate reflects the Army's commitment to tackling long-pending issues. It also demonstrates a focus on maintaining transparency in systems that affect veterans.
Support Through Naman Centres
To assist veterans with pension-related matters and other administrative challenges, the Army is expanding its network of Naman Centres. These centers help navigate issues with the SPARSH system and similar hurdles.
So far, 100 Naman Centres have been established nationwide. The Army aims to double this number by January 2027. Currently, 40 of these centers are operational within the Southern Command.
Veterans Day Celebrations in Pune
The Veterans Day event in Pune saw attendance from senior officers and dignitaries. Air Commodore Satbir Singh Rai, the Air Officer Commanding of Air Force Station Pune, was present. Maharashtra Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Chandrakant Patil, also attended the gathering.
Armed Forces Veterans Day is observed annually on January 14. This date commemorates the retirement of Field Marshal K.M. Cariappa, the first Indian Commander-in-Chief of the Army.
The Pune event provided a crucial platform for direct interaction between military leadership and the veteran community. Discussions focused on welfare measures, pension issues, and ensuring timely support for those who have served the nation.
