Your ECHS polyclinic is the first point of care — OPD, entitled medicines and referrals. An empanelled hospital is a private or government hospital tied up with ECHS for specialist and in-patient treatment, which you access on referral from the polyclinic.
| Aspect | ECHS Polyclinic | Empanelled Hospital |
|---|---|---|
| Role | First point of care (OPD, basic diagnostics) | Specialist & in-patient treatment |
| Access | Walk in with your smart card | On referral from your polyclinic |
| Medicines | Entitled medicines from the pharmacy | During admission; follow-ups via polyclinic |
| Referrals | Issues referrals to specialists/hospitals | Treats referred patients |
| Payment | As per entitlement | Cashless when referral process is followed |
How the journey usually works
- You visit your polyclinic for a consultation and entitled medicines.
- If specialist or in-patient care is needed, the polyclinic refers you to an empanelled hospital.
- After treatment, follow-up prescriptions and medicines route back through the polyclinic.
When the medicine isn’t available
Whether prescribed at the polyclinic or after hospital treatment, if a medicine is “NA” you can have it delivered home and claim reimbursement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an ECHS polyclinic and an empanelled hospital?
The polyclinic is your first point of care — OPD consultations, entitled medicines and referrals. An empanelled hospital is a private or government hospital empanelled with ECHS for specialist and in-patient care, accessed on referral from the polyclinic.
Do I need a referral to use an empanelled hospital?
Generally yes — for planned treatment you are referred by your polyclinic to an empanelled hospital. Genuine emergencies are handled per the emergency provisions; inform ECHS as required afterwards.
Where do I get my medicines — polyclinic or hospital?
Routine entitled medicines are issued by the polyclinic pharmacy. After hospital treatment, follow-up medicines are typically routed back through your polyclinic.
Is treatment cashless at empanelled hospitals?
Cashless treatment applies at ECHS-empanelled hospitals when you follow the correct referral process and the treatment is covered. Always confirm cashless eligibility before admission.
Upload your prescription for pharmacist-verified home delivery of your ECHS medicines.