Archive · 15 Aug 2026
AIIMS Deoghar Empanelled to Treat 1.2 Lakh Veterans, Veer Naris
An important hospital called AIIMS Deoghar is now part of a special health plan for people who used to serve in the army.
This plan is called ECHS.
It helps soldiers who have retired, brave widows of soldiers called Veer Naris, and their families get medical treatment.
About 1.2 lakh such people in Jharkhand can now use this big hospital for free medical care.
The decision was announced after two groups signed a paper called an MoU in Ranchi.
The army says this is a big step to take care of the people who protected the country.
There are already more than 20 other hospitals in Jharkhand taking part in this plan.
This new hospital will offer advanced and special treatments.
No money will be needed at the hospital, as the treatment is cashless.
It also makes sure that army hospitals are not overcrowded.
Nearly 1.2 lakh military veterans, Veer Naris and dependents in Jharkhand will gain access to tertiary medical care at AIIMS Deoghar.
An MoU was signed between the Regional Centre of the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and AIIMS Deoghar at Ranchi on Friday.
The Army's Eastern Command described it as a significant step towards strengthening veteran healthcare and honouring those who served the nation.
Jharkhand already has 23 ECHS-empanelled hospitals as of 2023, including in Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Dhanbad.
The scheme also relieves pressure on Command Hospitals, which treat serving personnel and their dependents.
- Who
- Military veterans, Veer Naris and dependents in Jharkhand, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) and AIIMS Deoghar.
- What
- AIIMS Deoghar was empanelled under ECHS through an MoU, giving about 1.2 lakh veterans and dependents access to advanced tertiary healthcare.
- When
- The MoU was signed on Friday.
- Where
- The MoU was signed at Ranchi, Jharkhand; care will be available at AIIMS Deoghar across Jharkhand.
- Why
- To strengthen veteran healthcare, honour those who served the nation, and relieve pressure on Command Hospitals.
- Beneficiaries
- Nearly 1.2 lakh ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and eligible dependents in Jharkhand
- Agreement
- MoU between ECHS Regional Centre and AIIMS Deoghar
- Existing ECHS hospitals in Jharkhand
- 23 empanelled hospitals as of 2023, in Ranchi, Jamshedpur and Dhanbad
- ECHS launch year
- April 2003
- ECHS network
- 30 Regional Centres and 433 Polyclinics (including six in Nepal) as of March 31, 2023
- ECHS membership contribution
- Ranges from Rs 30,000 to Rs 1,20,000 depending on rank
- Contribution exemptions
- Veterans who retired before January 1, 1996, war widows and war disabled personnel