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ECHS Guide

How ECHS Medicine Reimbursement Works

When a medicine is 'NA' at the polyclinic — the process, the documents, and how to avoid delays

Quick answer

When an ECHS polyclinic marks a medicine “NA” (not available), you can usually buy it from a licensed pharmacy and claim reimbursement through your parent polyclinic — provided you keep the prescription, the NA endorsement and the original GST bill, and follow the current ECHS procedure.

Step by step

  1. Get the medicine marked “NA” by the polyclinic so non-availability is on record.
  2. Buy the medicine from a licensed pharmacy and keep the original GST invoice. (We provide one with every order.)
  3. Keep the prescription and your ECHS card details together with the bill.
  4. Submit the reimbursement claim through your parent polyclinic as per the current ECHS procedure.

Documents checklist

  • Valid prescription from a registered/authorised doctor
  • “NA” (non-availability) endorsement from the polyclinic
  • Original GST invoice for the medicines
  • ECHS card / beneficiary details
  • Any claim form your polyclinic requires
Rules and limits are set by ECHS and revised periodically. Confirm the current process, approved list and any caps with your parent polyclinic or at echs.gov.in (helpline 1800-114-115).

The simpler route for shortages

If you’d rather not run around for an out-of-stock medicine, we arrange NA medicines (or a same-salt option) and deliver them home with a GST invoice you can use for your claim.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim reimbursement for ECHS medicines bought outside?

When a medicine is not available ('NA') at your polyclinic, ECHS rules may allow you to buy it from a licensed pharmacy and claim reimbursement through your parent polyclinic, subject to current policy and approval.

What documents do I need for ECHS medicine reimbursement?

Typically your valid prescription, the 'NA' (non-availability) endorsement from the polyclinic, the original GST bill/invoice for the medicines, and your ECHS card details. Always confirm the exact list with your parent polyclinic.

Does Army Medicine Supplier process the reimbursement?

No. We are an independent licensed pharmacy; we provide the medicines and a GST invoice. The reimbursement claim itself is processed through ECHS, not us.

Why do reimbursement claims get delayed?

Common reasons include a missing NA endorsement, an unreadable prescription, no GST invoice, claiming a medicine outside the approved list, or incomplete forms. Keeping clean documents avoids most delays.

Army Medicine Supplier is an independent licensed pharmacy and is not part of ECHS. This guide is general information, not official ECHS advice.

Upload your prescription — get the medicine now, claim reimbursement later.