Rahul Gandhi Calls Out Deficiencies in Ex-Servicemen Health Scheme
Rahul Gandhi highlights critical shortcomings in the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) that affect over 72 lakh veterans relying on it for healthcare. From reimbursement delays to funding issues, Gandhi criticizes the government's lack of transparency and urges respect and support for armed forces personnel and their families.
- Country:
- India
Rahul Gandhi has raised alarms over significant flaws within the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). Addressing Parliament, Gandhi noted chronic reimbursement delays and medicine shortages impacting over 72 lakh veterans who depend on the initiative.
Criticism surged after Gandhi argued that the government, despite audit reports, is evasive about budgetary allocations and lacks clarity on outstanding dues. He further emphasized the need for tax exemptions for disabled ex-servicemen and criticized new tax impositions on disability pensions for active soldiers.
The Minister of State for Defence responded by affirming that ECHS offers cashless healthcare via a network of polyclinics, with ongoing resource management efforts. However, he acknowledged that fund flow constraints occasionally impact payment cycles.
Google News