A quick reference to the ECHS and defence medical terms used across this site — from ECHS and polyclinic to NA medicine, same-salt and cash on delivery.
ECHS
Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme — a Ministry of Defence health scheme (launched 1 April 2003) providing medical care to armed forces pensioners and their dependents through polyclinics and empanelled hospitals.
CGHS
Central Government Health Scheme — run by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare for central government employees and pensioners, delivered through wellness centres. The civilian counterpart to ECHS.
ECHS Polyclinic
The first point of care under ECHS — providing OPD consultations, entitled medicines and referrals to empanelled hospitals. Administered by Regional Centres and Station Headquarters.
Empanelled Hospital
A private or government hospital tied up with ECHS for specialist and in-patient treatment, accessed on referral from a polyclinic, usually on a cashless basis when the process is followed.
NA Medicine
A medicine marked 'NA' (Not Available) at the polyclinic — usually due to a stock shortage. The prescription stays valid; the medicine can be bought outside, claimed via reimbursement, or delivered home.
Same-Salt Medicine
A medicine with the same active ingredient (salt) and strength as the prescribed one, under a different brand or as a generic. Licensed same-salt medicines must meet the same quality standards and usually cost less.
Cash on Delivery (COD)
Paying for your order in cash at your door after receiving it, with no advance or online payment. The default payment method on ArmyMedicineSupplier.in.
ECHS Smart Card
The chip-based PVC card (newer version: 64 KB) issued to each ECHS beneficiary that records entitlement and is used at polyclinics and empanelled hospitals.
Referral
Authorisation from your ECHS polyclinic to receive specialist or in-patient care at an empanelled hospital. Planned treatment generally requires a valid referral.
Formulary
The approved list of medicines a scheme dispenses for routine treatment. ECHS polyclinics generally dispense from an authorised formulary, often favouring quality generics.
Cantonment
A permanent military station. Many ECHS polyclinics and military hospitals are located in or near cantonments (e.g. Bareilly, Agra, Meerut).
ECHS Regional Centre
A Ministry of Defence office that administers the ECHS polyclinics and station headquarters in its region (e.g. Regional Centre Lucknow, Regional Centre Bareilly).
Cold Chain
Temperature-controlled handling for medicines like insulin that must stay within 2–8°C. We pack such items with cold-chain handling for delivery.
Jeevan Pramaan
The Government of India digital life certificate scheme that lets pensioners, including defence pensioners, submit their annual life certificate online or via biometric authentication.
Kendriya Sainik Board (KSB)
The apex body under the Ministry of Defence for the welfare and resettlement of ex-servicemen and their dependents, working through Zila Sainik Boards at the district level.
Ex-Serviceman
A person who has served in the Army, Navy or Air Force and been released other than by dismissal, as defined by the Government of India. Ex-servicemen pensioners are eligible for ECHS.
MRP
Maximum Retail Price — the printed ceiling price of a medicine. Our discounts (up to 40% on eligible items) are calculated against the MRP and shown on your quote.
New to all this? Start with what is ECHS, or upload your prescription for pharmacist-verified home delivery.