The ECHS 64KB Smart Card is the key to every benefit of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme — OPD at the polyclinic, medicines, diagnostics, referrals and cashless treatment at empanelled hospitals. This guide explains how to apply for the card, update it, add dependents and replace a lost card. Procedures and fees are set by the Central Organisation ECHS and revised from time to time, so always confirm the current requirements on echs.gov.in before you apply.
Who needs an ECHS Smart Card
All ECHS beneficiaries must hold a valid 64KB Smart Card to receive treatment. This includes ex-servicemen pensioners, their spouses, eligible dependent children and dependent parents, and war widows. Older temporary or 16KB cards have been superseded by the 64KB card, so members still holding an old card should apply for the new one.
Step-by-step: applying for or renewing the card
Step 1: Register on the ECHS member portal
Go to echs.gov.in and create a member login. Keep your PPO number, Aadhaar and a mobile number for OTP handy.
Step 2: Fill the application for self and dependents
Enter service and pension details, add each eligible dependent with proof of relationship and dependency, and choose your preferred parent polyclinic.
Step 3: Upload documents and photographs
Upload clear scans of the documents the portal asks for and recent passport-size photographs of every member being enrolled.
Step 4: Pay the one-time contribution online
The contribution is a one-time amount based on rank/pension as fixed by ECHS, paid through the portal's online payment gateway. Save the receipt.
Step 5: Verify at Station HQ / Regional Centre
Carry the printed application and original documents to your Station Headquarters or Regional Centre for biometric capture and verification of the family.
Step 6: Collect the 64KB Smart Card
Once produced, the card is issued/dispatched. Activate it and present it at your polyclinic for all future treatment.
Adding or updating dependents
Life events — marriage, a new child, a dependent parent, or a change in a dependent's status — require an update to your card record. Do this through the ECHS portal with the relevant proof (marriage certificate, birth certificate, dependency certificate) and complete verification at your Station HQ. Keeping dependent records current ensures your family's treatment is never refused at the polyclinic or an empanelled hospital.
Lost, damaged or blocked card
If your card is lost or stolen, lodge a police report, then apply online for a duplicate and pay the replacement charge. A damaged or non-functional card can similarly be replaced. While the replacement is in process, speak to your parent polyclinic — they can advise on continuing essential treatment and medicines in the interim.
Common problems and how to resolve them
- Payment made but application stuck: keep the payment reference and follow up with your Station HQ / Regional Centre.
- Name or detail mismatch with PPO/Aadhaar: correct the source document first, then update the ECHS record.
- Relocation: transfer your parent polyclinic online so records and entitlements follow your new address.
- Card not received: track status on the portal and escalate through your Regional Centre if delayed.
After you have your card: getting medicines
Once your card is active, your local polyclinic issues prescribed medicines from its pharmacy. When a medicine is out of stock, see our ECHS medicine shortage guide. For home delivery in our service area, Army Medicine Supplier (an independent licensed pharmacy, not part of ECHS) can deliver prescribed medicines — see how it works.
Frequently asked questions
How do I apply for an ECHS Smart Card?
Apply online through the ECHS member portal on echs.gov.in: register, fill the application for yourself and dependents, upload documents, pay the prescribed one-time contribution online, and submit the printout with original documents at your Station Headquarters or Regional Centre for biometric capture and verification. The 64KB Smart Card is then issued.
Does an ECHS card expire and need renewal?
The ECHS 64KB Smart Card does not carry a short expiry like a subscription. Most 'renewal' situations are actually updates — replacing an old temporary card with the 64KB card, adding or removing a dependent, correcting details, or replacing a lost or damaged card. Each of these is handled through the online portal followed by verification at the Station HQ.
What documents are required for an ECHS card?
Typically your PPO (Pension Payment Order) or discharge book, Aadhaar, recent photographs, proof of dependency for family members (such as birth/marriage certificates), and bank/pension details. The portal lists the exact current document set during the application — always follow the on-screen requirements as they are periodically revised.
How do I add a dependent to my ECHS card?
Log in to the ECHS portal, open the application, add the dependent with proof of relationship and dependency, pay any applicable charge, and complete verification at the Station HQ. Eligible dependents generally include spouse, dependent children within prescribed limits, and dependent parents — subject to ECHS dependency rules.
What do I do if my ECHS card is lost?
Report the loss (a police report/FIR is usually required), then apply online for a duplicate/replacement card through the ECHS portal, pay the replacement charge and complete verification at your Station HQ or Regional Centre. Until the new card arrives, contact your polyclinic for guidance on continuing treatment.
Is the ECHS card valid across India?
Yes. The ECHS 64KB Smart Card is valid at ECHS polyclinics and empanelled facilities across India, not only in your home district. If you relocate, you can transfer your parent polyclinic through the portal so your records follow you.
How long does it take to get the ECHS Smart Card?
After successful online application, payment and verification at the Station HQ, card issue typically takes a few weeks depending on card production and dispatch. Track the status through the ECHS portal and follow up with your Station HQ if there is a delay.