From: abhay
To: 'manjeet bedi'
Cc: 'Regional Centre ECHS Delhi Cantt' ; 'brig sateesh kuthiala' ; 'chaturvedi' ; iesm.echs@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, December 14, 2009 11:05 AM
Subject: RE: RE: Non availability of essential medicines
Dear Col Bedi,
We are a group of retired officers who have volunteered to be an active interface between ECHS and ESM with the intention of getting best possible health care to the latter. We have no authority or control over ECHS. Yet we are doing our best by taking up issues with HQ ECHS ( including MD ECHS and his Staff ) , the Regional Centers and Polyclinics and have had our share our success too.
In fact we had a meeting with MD ECHS and the staff at HQ ECHS on 11 Dec 09 where a host of issues , including non-availability of medicines ( with your case being quoted as one of the examples ) were discussed with a view to resolve them. I am sure you will appreciate the matter in correct perspective and understand that I am not in a position to assure that the medicines will be available when you visit the Polyclinic next time around .
Having said this , please do let me know the names of the concerned medicines which I will be happy to forward to the ECHS Regional Center Delhi and earnestly hope that they will be able to meet your justified expectations.
Col Dar and Bose : Seek your intervention please.
Warm regards
Abhay
Brigadier Abhay Bhargava
IESM ECHS Div : Regional Liaison Cell , Delhi
Mobile : +91987...
Fixedline : +919841636610 / 416387
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
ECHS DIVISION help required by Brig Sateesh Kuthiala
From: brig sateesh kuthiala
Date: Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Subject: ECHS DIVISION
To: rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Dear Gen Kadyan,
I am writing to you on a matter that has been bothering me for some time.The IESM is doing splendid work and will continue to do so under your able guidance. What concerns me is your total concentration on OROP. I am not suggesting even for a moment that OROP is not THE most important of the numerous ESM concerns. BUT there is a very long wait before it fructifies. In the meanwhile there are numerous other issues, recognised by all of us, which require your intervention. Creation of ECHS/pension/ canteen cells was a step in that direction. But even after nearly 4-5 months of the ECHS cells we are stuck with just a handful of volunteers in the Regional and Polyclinic cells. Without adequate volunteers right down to the village level we are fighting battles in cyber space. Despite all the noise we in the ECHS Division have been making our assistance to veterans is restricted to offrs who are on the internet. We are NOT getting down or reaching the PBOR level which is where we should be.I therfore suggest the following:-
1. In all your sitreps add a para about the ECHS and our need for reps down to the village level.
2.Every village should have atleast one veteran on the internet- in todays environment this is not far fetched. An educated veteran, or his son, or grandson can come on to the internet and start communicating with the IESM or RMS or whatever. THIS WILL NOT ONLY BENEFIT THE ECHS CELL BUT ALSO OUR EFFORTS TOWARDS OROP AND MEMBERSHIP OF IESM WHICH YOU KNOW IS HARDLY WHAT IT SHOULD BE.Once our pbor veterans start using the internet half our battle of increased awareness-therefore increased membership- therfore increased clout- will have been won.STATE THIS IN ALL YOUR VISITS AND YOUR CORE GROUP VISITS TO VILLAGES WHEREVER YOU GO- SATBIR-RENJEN-KIRIT AND ALL THE OTHER MOVERS AND SHAKERS.
3. Ask for a regular feedback on the number of internet email accts opened in the same way as your people give on new members enrolled.
4. Get Brig Kamboj and other supporters to coin a slogan like the one you have on HONGE KAMYAB as a part of all RMS messages and your and other core group messages.
5 I sincerely believe that pushing for the success of the ECHS cell will help the IESM touch a chord with every ESM who visits a polyclinic (and who does'nt) which will in the ultimate analysis help us succeed in our battle for OROP.
Brig Sateesh Kuthiala
Date: Wed, Nov 25, 2009 at 7:20 PM
Subject: ECHS DIVISION
To: rajkadyan@yahoo.com
Dear Gen Kadyan,
I am writing to you on a matter that has been bothering me for some time.The IESM is doing splendid work and will continue to do so under your able guidance. What concerns me is your total concentration on OROP. I am not suggesting even for a moment that OROP is not THE most important of the numerous ESM concerns. BUT there is a very long wait before it fructifies. In the meanwhile there are numerous other issues, recognised by all of us, which require your intervention. Creation of ECHS/pension/ canteen cells was a step in that direction. But even after nearly 4-5 months of the ECHS cells we are stuck with just a handful of volunteers in the Regional and Polyclinic cells. Without adequate volunteers right down to the village level we are fighting battles in cyber space. Despite all the noise we in the ECHS Division have been making our assistance to veterans is restricted to offrs who are on the internet. We are NOT getting down or reaching the PBOR level which is where we should be.I therfore suggest the following:-
1. In all your sitreps add a para about the ECHS and our need for reps down to the village level.
2.Every village should have atleast one veteran on the internet- in todays environment this is not far fetched. An educated veteran, or his son, or grandson can come on to the internet and start communicating with the IESM or RMS or whatever. THIS WILL NOT ONLY BENEFIT THE ECHS CELL BUT ALSO OUR EFFORTS TOWARDS OROP AND MEMBERSHIP OF IESM WHICH YOU KNOW IS HARDLY WHAT IT SHOULD BE.Once our pbor veterans start using the internet half our battle of increased awareness-therefore increased membership- therfore increased clout- will have been won.STATE THIS IN ALL YOUR VISITS AND YOUR CORE GROUP VISITS TO VILLAGES WHEREVER YOU GO- SATBIR-RENJEN-KIRIT AND ALL THE OTHER MOVERS AND SHAKERS.
3. Ask for a regular feedback on the number of internet email accts opened in the same way as your people give on new members enrolled.
4. Get Brig Kamboj and other supporters to coin a slogan like the one you have on HONGE KAMYAB as a part of all RMS messages and your and other core group messages.
5 I sincerely believe that pushing for the success of the ECHS cell will help the IESM touch a chord with every ESM who visits a polyclinic (and who does'nt) which will in the ultimate analysis help us succeed in our battle for OROP.
Brig Sateesh Kuthiala
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Additional Polyclinics
Additional Polyclinics
It is learnt that ECHS plans to have 197 additional Polyclinics as part of their next expansion plan. While the time frame for this is not known, a list of the Polyclinics planned is linked for your information-click me.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi
Coordinator,
IESM ECHS Division,
IESM ECHS Division Feed Back to MD ECHS
The Feedback sent to MD ECHS is here- click me for your information please. This may please be read in conjunction with the following already published.
Road Map for the ECHS Cell.
ECHS Concept Paper
Our efforts at improving ECHS services is a Joint Venture between the ECHS and us Veterans. It is hoped that even as we expect a positive thrust from the ECHS hierarchy, we on our part will get on and see how best we can make our healthcare facilities.
RLC and PLC members are requested to now get actively involved in local issues in consultation with the ECHS representatives. Thanks.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
IESM ECHS Division
It is learnt that ECHS plans to have 197 additional Polyclinics as part of their next expansion plan. While the time frame for this is not known, a list of the Polyclinics planned is linked for your information-click me.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi
Coordinator,
IESM ECHS Division,
IESM ECHS Division Feed Back to MD ECHS
The Feedback sent to MD ECHS is here- click me for your information please. This may please be read in conjunction with the following already published.
Road Map for the ECHS Cell.
ECHS Concept Paper
Our efforts at improving ECHS services is a Joint Venture between the ECHS and us Veterans. It is hoped that even as we expect a positive thrust from the ECHS hierarchy, we on our part will get on and see how best we can make our healthcare facilities.
RLC and PLC members are requested to now get actively involved in local issues in consultation with the ECHS representatives. Thanks.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
IESM ECHS Division
Thursday, October 8, 2009
ECHS: Veteran Volunteers to enhance services
ECHS: Veteran Volunteers to enhance services
ECHS DIVISION CONCEPT PAPER
1. As you are aware, we have been constantly striving to improve ECHS services with the aim of becoming the Finest Healthcare system in India. This is not an easy task. It would involve a collective heave from all the ECHS stakeholders. Everyone in the Armed Forces would one day be a user of ECHS facilities. In bringing it up, therefore, we really help ourselves.
2. During the ECHS seminar held at HQ Western Command on 16 Jul 09, it was felt that Armed Forces need to work in partnership with ex-servicemen. The cases of substantial improvement in services at the polyclinics in partnership with ex-servicemen were also highlighted.
3. Responding to our request, the IESM- an organization of ex- servicemen, has volunteered to render assistance in this regard. The organization has formed an ‘ECHS Division’ of volunteer veterans, to provide a user interface with ECHS, to enable improved services.
4. While efforts are on to identify volunteers pan-India, a list of those who would represent ESM presently, is given here Click Me
5. You are requested to interact with them and strive to improve elements that can be. It is emphasized that a great degree of initiative and improvisation may be needed. And above all, this development should be viewed as teamwork rather than interference.
(A K Roy)
Col, Dir,(Ops&Coord)
for MD ECHS
ECHS DIVISION CONCEPT PAPER
1. As you are aware, we have been constantly striving to improve ECHS services with the aim of becoming the Finest Healthcare system in India. This is not an easy task. It would involve a collective heave from all the ECHS stakeholders. Everyone in the Armed Forces would one day be a user of ECHS facilities. In bringing it up, therefore, we really help ourselves.
2. During the ECHS seminar held at HQ Western Command on 16 Jul 09, it was felt that Armed Forces need to work in partnership with ex-servicemen. The cases of substantial improvement in services at the polyclinics in partnership with ex-servicemen were also highlighted.
3. Responding to our request, the IESM- an organization of ex- servicemen, has volunteered to render assistance in this regard. The organization has formed an ‘ECHS Division’ of volunteer veterans, to provide a user interface with ECHS, to enable improved services.
4. While efforts are on to identify volunteers pan-India, a list of those who would represent ESM presently, is given here Click Me
5. You are requested to interact with them and strive to improve elements that can be. It is emphasized that a great degree of initiative and improvisation may be needed. And above all, this development should be viewed as teamwork rather than interference.
(A K Roy)
Col, Dir,(Ops&Coord)
for MD ECHS
Monday, October 5, 2009
Emergency Treatment Suggestions/ Guidelines by Col RP Chaturvedi
From: IESM- ECHS Div Hq
Date: Mon, Oct 5, 2009 at 7:23 AM
Subject: Emergency Treatment Suggestions/ Guidelines
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXX
We recently had the case of Wg Cdr Bankim Sutaria, an ECHS member from Vadodra -Gujrat, who was involved in a road accident close to Udaipur. He was admitted to a Non Empanelled hospital, and had projected some difficulties in adhering to the procedure for reimbursement (requiring the nearest ECHS polyclinic being informed). He projected that this is difficult since the LOCATION of the 'nearest' Polyclinic may not be known.
Arming oneself with this knowledge is a good idea before one embarks on travel. And if one is close to a city, having an ECHS centre, chances are the hospital would know the location.
However, the problem is REAL, moreso, if the ECHS user happens to be in a remote location.
Para 39(d) of ECHS brochure stipulates that in case of emergencies, if a patient is admitted to a non empanelled hospital, it is the PATIENT'S responsibiity to inform HIS polyclinic/ ECHS Central Organization/ Regional Centre within 48 hrs.
As it can so transpire that a veteran may be away from home station when such situation arises, the following actions are suggested when ECHS users travel outside their station of habitation.
Be aware of YOUR polyclinic OCs tele number.
Find out and Brief your family members about the locations and contact numbers of ECHS polyclinic / Region Centres along the route/ your destination.These are on ECHS website http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/arechs.htm and are also given in ECHS booklet (also available on net).
In case of need, they should inform the OC of YOUR polyclinic/ any of above. Note down the name of person who took the message.
IF that is not feasible for some reason, speak to YOUR PLC/ RLC representative giving details of ECHS CARD NUMBER, RANK AND NAME, INCIDENT DETAILS ( Where is accident? Which hospital are you in ( Name, address, Telephone No)? What is nature of emergency? Treating Doctor Name?) AND confirmation that Emergency Treatment Certificate HAS been taken from the hospital.
If a cyber cafe/ internet is available scan copy of Emergency Admission form be mailed to the RLC / PLC member AND to Div Hq Helpline echs@iesm.org
If mailed to iesm.org the ECHS Division coordinator will mail the same to RLC/ and MD ECHS as information.
Check back from the Coordinator/RLC/ PLC member concerned whether the needful has been done?
Kindly circulate this information to maximum ESM.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi
Coordinator,
IESM ECHS Division,
Mob: +919891279035
Date: Mon, Oct 5, 2009 at 7:23 AM
Subject: Emergency Treatment Suggestions/ Guidelines
To: XXXXXXXXXXXXX
We recently had the case of Wg Cdr Bankim Sutaria, an ECHS member from Vadodra -Gujrat, who was involved in a road accident close to Udaipur. He was admitted to a Non Empanelled hospital, and had projected some difficulties in adhering to the procedure for reimbursement (requiring the nearest ECHS polyclinic being informed). He projected that this is difficult since the LOCATION of the 'nearest' Polyclinic may not be known.
Arming oneself with this knowledge is a good idea before one embarks on travel. And if one is close to a city, having an ECHS centre, chances are the hospital would know the location.
However, the problem is REAL, moreso, if the ECHS user happens to be in a remote location.
Para 39(d) of ECHS brochure stipulates that in case of emergencies, if a patient is admitted to a non empanelled hospital, it is the PATIENT'S responsibiity to inform HIS polyclinic/ ECHS Central Organization/ Regional Centre within 48 hrs.
As it can so transpire that a veteran may be away from home station when such situation arises, the following actions are suggested when ECHS users travel outside their station of habitation.
Be aware of YOUR polyclinic OCs tele number.
Find out and Brief your family members about the locations and contact numbers of ECHS polyclinic / Region Centres along the route/ your destination.These are on ECHS website http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/arechs.htm and are also given in ECHS booklet (also available on net).
In case of need, they should inform the OC of YOUR polyclinic/ any of above. Note down the name of person who took the message.
IF that is not feasible for some reason, speak to YOUR PLC/ RLC representative giving details of ECHS CARD NUMBER, RANK AND NAME, INCIDENT DETAILS ( Where is accident? Which hospital are you in ( Name, address, Telephone No)? What is nature of emergency? Treating Doctor Name?) AND confirmation that Emergency Treatment Certificate HAS been taken from the hospital.
If a cyber cafe/ internet is available scan copy of Emergency Admission form be mailed to the RLC / PLC member AND to Div Hq Helpline echs@iesm.org
If mailed to iesm.org the ECHS Division coordinator will mail the same to RLC/ and MD ECHS as information.
Check back from the Coordinator/RLC/ PLC member concerned whether the needful has been done?
Kindly circulate this information to maximum ESM.
--
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi
Coordinator,
IESM ECHS Division,
Mob: +919891279035
ECHS: Purchase of Medicines not Permitted as Policy..Imp Notice
In case of an emergency, an ECHS beneficiary can directly report to an Empanelled Hospital with his ECHS Card. The hospital is responsible for issuing an emergency certificate and informing the ECHS Polyclinic regarding the emergency admission within 48 hours. Based on this, the ECHS Polyclinic then issues a formal emergency referral. The onus of this entire procedure is with the Empanelled Hospital.
Similarly in case of OPD treatment also in an Empanelled Hospital, the hospital is supposed to do the paperwork and not the ECHS member.
The ECHS beneficiary is not supposed to purchase any medicines since the same is not reimbursable as per existing policy on the subject. He is supposed to collect them from the ECHS Polyclinic based on the advise of the Empanelled Hospital.
Reimbursement of cost of medicines is permitted only in certain special conditions if the patient is referred by the Polyclinic and medicines prescribed are required to be taken with immediate effect on discharge from the Empanelled Hospital as enumerated below:
Post operative cases of major Cardiac Surgery / Interventional Cardiology.
Oncology.
Post operative organ transplant cases.
Post operative major Neurosurgical / Neurology cases.
Prescription for demand of the medicines are required to be provided to the OIC Polyclinic immediately after discharge. Cost of medicines purchased is reimbursable for a period of maximum 30 days only.
Col Sanjay Sah
Director
Regional Centre ECHS
Similarly in case of OPD treatment also in an Empanelled Hospital, the hospital is supposed to do the paperwork and not the ECHS member.
The ECHS beneficiary is not supposed to purchase any medicines since the same is not reimbursable as per existing policy on the subject. He is supposed to collect them from the ECHS Polyclinic based on the advise of the Empanelled Hospital.
Reimbursement of cost of medicines is permitted only in certain special conditions if the patient is referred by the Polyclinic and medicines prescribed are required to be taken with immediate effect on discharge from the Empanelled Hospital as enumerated below:
Post operative cases of major Cardiac Surgery / Interventional Cardiology.
Oncology.
Post operative organ transplant cases.
Post operative major Neurosurgical / Neurology cases.
Prescription for demand of the medicines are required to be provided to the OIC Polyclinic immediately after discharge. Cost of medicines purchased is reimbursable for a period of maximum 30 days only.
Col Sanjay Sah
Director
Regional Centre ECHS
HC Declares Health Care Fundamental Right Of EveryCitizen by Brig Kuthiala
From: brig sateesh kuthiala kuthiala27@hotmail.com
To: premprempb@rediffmail.com
Cc: navdeepsingh.india@gmail.com; kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in; rpchaturvedi@gmail.com; pandeykameshwar@gmail.com; georgekuruvilla@gmail.com; kulusha1112@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, 25 September, 2009 6:21:27 PM
Subject: FW: IESM/ECHS : HC Declares Health Care Fundamental Right Of EveryCitizen
ref your email on the above subject. i am enclosing another ruling which seems to contradict the high court ruling. i am not a legal expert but obviously there seems to be a problem. maybe you and other legal experts would want to throw some light on the matter
Brig Sateesh Kuthiala
The status of Esm regards medical care by the State has been elucidated by the Hon’ble SC in their judgment on the WP (Civil) No 210 of 1999.
Quote “…..We, therefore, hold that getting free and full medical facilities is not a part of fundamental right of ex-servicemen.”
Above is subject to interpretation by the experts in the context that it has been written.
Experts may take necessary action please.
To: premprempb@rediffmail.com
Cc: navdeepsingh.india@gmail.com; kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in; rpchaturvedi@gmail.com; pandeykameshwar@gmail.com; georgekuruvilla@gmail.com; kulusha1112@gmail.com
Sent: Friday, 25 September, 2009 6:21:27 PM
Subject: FW: IESM/ECHS : HC Declares Health Care Fundamental Right Of EveryCitizen
ref your email on the above subject. i am enclosing another ruling which seems to contradict the high court ruling. i am not a legal expert but obviously there seems to be a problem. maybe you and other legal experts would want to throw some light on the matter
Brig Sateesh Kuthiala
The status of Esm regards medical care by the State has been elucidated by the Hon’ble SC in their judgment on the WP (Civil) No 210 of 1999.
Quote “…..We, therefore, hold that getting free and full medical facilities is not a part of fundamental right of ex-servicemen.”
Above is subject to interpretation by the experts in the context that it has been written.
Experts may take necessary action please.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Temp Attachment Card ECHS
From: brig sateesh kuthiala kuthiala27@hotmail.com
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Sent: Thursday, 24 September, 2009 3:11:20 PM
Subject: Temp Attachment Card ECHS
We have been receiving numerous complaints concerning the Temp Att Card required by Veterans who have to relocate temporarily to stations other than the Parent Polyclinic. Whereas we have in consultation with the ECHS been successful in working out a revised SOP (as given below)regarding the TAC some doubts still remain.
The Temp Att Cert (TAC) is reqd for issue of medicines for LONG durations. There is no other purpose.
We had prepared a proposal , but due to apprehensions of large scale uncontrolled sick reports (beneficiaries from peripheral areas) at polyclinics in NCR and in large cities, the proposal has been withheld. It was seen that there was a significant population that came to Chandigarh, for instance, to draw their medicines probably because the supply position there was better. One alternative proposal (to the one given below) is that for the first month only 7 days medicine will be issued at a time. After the first month when the revised load due to the new entrant has been catered for 30 days medicine can be issued as for all other dependants.
May I invite views from veterans ASAP. Please be brief and to the point. PLEASE DO NOT BE ABUSIVE OF THE ECHS no matter how dissatisfied you are.
(Brig SC Kuthiala, Member ECHS Division IESM) Email ID - kuthiala27@hotmail.com
To: kamboj_cs@yahoo.co.in
Sent: Thursday, 24 September, 2009 3:11:20 PM
Subject: Temp Attachment Card ECHS
We have been receiving numerous complaints concerning the Temp Att Card required by Veterans who have to relocate temporarily to stations other than the Parent Polyclinic. Whereas we have in consultation with the ECHS been successful in working out a revised SOP (as given below)regarding the TAC some doubts still remain.
The Temp Att Cert (TAC) is reqd for issue of medicines for LONG durations. There is no other purpose.
We had prepared a proposal , but due to apprehensions of large scale uncontrolled sick reports (beneficiaries from peripheral areas) at polyclinics in NCR and in large cities, the proposal has been withheld. It was seen that there was a significant population that came to Chandigarh, for instance, to draw their medicines probably because the supply position there was better. One alternative proposal (to the one given below) is that for the first month only 7 days medicine will be issued at a time. After the first month when the revised load due to the new entrant has been catered for 30 days medicine can be issued as for all other dependants.
May I invite views from veterans ASAP. Please be brief and to the point. PLEASE DO NOT BE ABUSIVE OF THE ECHS no matter how dissatisfied you are.
(Brig SC Kuthiala, Member ECHS Division IESM) Email ID - kuthiala27@hotmail.com
Monday, September 21, 2009
Three Month's issue of medicine by Brig Kuthiala
From: brig sateesh kuthiala
Date: Mon, Sep 21, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Subject: FW: Three Month's issue of medicine
To: krish seth
My dear Gen, I read the assurance given by you to Chander Kamboj on Report my Signal and am therefore writing to you to bring you upto date on the issue. I had attended the ECHS seminar at Chandimandir 16 Jul and was part of the panel that put across the ESMs view of ECHS. The AG had issued instrs for issue of 3 months medicine to chronically ill patients requiring long term treatment. The Dr at the polyclinic was reqd to prescribe these medicines (for three months) after seeing the patient. The DGAFMS issued his own letter negating the AGs letter on the plea that it was unethical to issue medicines for long periods without a monthly review and also because it was not possible to issue medicines in bulk because it upset the already in vogue demand cycle. I had responded at the seminar (the above point was made by the DGMS Army who was part of the same panel) that in my personal case (Angioplasty) my Dr at Escorts always prescribed medicines and asked me to come back for a review after 6 months. The Polyclinic Dr was free to and infact should check and then prescribe 3 months. I also stated that practically at the Noida polyclinic I was always permitted to draw my 3 months quota by the Gynaecologist. This drew a laugh but the DGMS Army was not keen on pursuing the matter further. Subsequently I have learnt that the AG and DGAFMS have discussed the matter but the DGAFMS is sticking to his guns. Since medicines are procured through Med channels the DGAFMS has a veto. The supply cycle arguement is faulty. To ensure that there isnt a sudden spurt in demand all one has to do is break the entire patient population at a polyclinic into three. For eg at Noida Month one could be for issue of the 90 day quota only to patients with names A to H the others get 30 days. Month two 90 days for patients with names I to P and so on . The complete cycle would stabilize in just three months.
Please read the mail below to get a first hand feel of the actual problem.
Regards
Brig Sateesh Kuthiala
Dehradun (MH) ECHS Polyclinic has a goodlooking new building with a 'naturally heated' waiting hall for officers..without exhaust or windows....imagine the plight of the veteran officers and ladies.....the waiting period extends upto 2 hours + at times!!!!! The toilets located 50 mtrs away in the open cannot be used thru the year.
Coffee/tea vending machine has been removed. There is NO canteen / coffee shop to cater for the needs of the patients. The only, old canteen is located some 1 km away!
MEDICINES are 'usually' NA.....what to talk about 3 months issue. When querried, the reply is, "Contact the Comdt MH / lack of funds / etc etc".
FUNDS - surely adequate funds are bein allotted vis a vis the dependancy. Even when the 'best' salts are NOT
being purchased, how can the funds fall short?
Dehradun (MH) ECHS Polyclinic has been awarded as the Numero Uno Polyclinic. What are the yardsticks, QR,
was patient opinion obtained? NO! I was at Pune and drew medicines from ECHS Polyclinic earlier this year. If they can stock/issue 'better' medicines - why not at the so called #1 Polyclinic? Surely the 'same' authorization
has been given to all.
This matter of high handedness must be addressed at the higest forum at the earliest in the overall interest.
Date: Mon, Sep 21, 2009 at 10:13 AM
Subject: FW: Three Month's issue of medicine
To: krish seth
My dear Gen, I read the assurance given by you to Chander Kamboj on Report my Signal and am therefore writing to you to bring you upto date on the issue. I had attended the ECHS seminar at Chandimandir 16 Jul and was part of the panel that put across the ESMs view of ECHS. The AG had issued instrs for issue of 3 months medicine to chronically ill patients requiring long term treatment. The Dr at the polyclinic was reqd to prescribe these medicines (for three months) after seeing the patient. The DGAFMS issued his own letter negating the AGs letter on the plea that it was unethical to issue medicines for long periods without a monthly review and also because it was not possible to issue medicines in bulk because it upset the already in vogue demand cycle. I had responded at the seminar (the above point was made by the DGMS Army who was part of the same panel) that in my personal case (Angioplasty) my Dr at Escorts always prescribed medicines and asked me to come back for a review after 6 months. The Polyclinic Dr was free to and infact should check and then prescribe 3 months. I also stated that practically at the Noida polyclinic I was always permitted to draw my 3 months quota by the Gynaecologist. This drew a laugh but the DGMS Army was not keen on pursuing the matter further. Subsequently I have learnt that the AG and DGAFMS have discussed the matter but the DGAFMS is sticking to his guns. Since medicines are procured through Med channels the DGAFMS has a veto. The supply cycle arguement is faulty. To ensure that there isnt a sudden spurt in demand all one has to do is break the entire patient population at a polyclinic into three. For eg at Noida Month one could be for issue of the 90 day quota only to patients with names A to H the others get 30 days. Month two 90 days for patients with names I to P and so on . The complete cycle would stabilize in just three months.
Please read the mail below to get a first hand feel of the actual problem.
Regards
Brig Sateesh Kuthiala
Dehradun (MH) ECHS Polyclinic has a goodlooking new building with a 'naturally heated' waiting hall for officers..without exhaust or windows....imagine the plight of the veteran officers and ladies.....the waiting period extends upto 2 hours + at times!!!!! The toilets located 50 mtrs away in the open cannot be used thru the year.
Coffee/tea vending machine has been removed. There is NO canteen / coffee shop to cater for the needs of the patients. The only, old canteen is located some 1 km away!
MEDICINES are 'usually' NA.....what to talk about 3 months issue. When querried, the reply is, "Contact the Comdt MH / lack of funds / etc etc".
FUNDS - surely adequate funds are bein allotted vis a vis the dependancy. Even when the 'best' salts are NOT
being purchased, how can the funds fall short?
Dehradun (MH) ECHS Polyclinic has been awarded as the Numero Uno Polyclinic. What are the yardsticks, QR,
was patient opinion obtained? NO! I was at Pune and drew medicines from ECHS Polyclinic earlier this year. If they can stock/issue 'better' medicines - why not at the so called #1 Polyclinic? Surely the 'same' authorization
has been given to all.
This matter of high handedness must be addressed at the higest forum at the earliest in the overall interest.
Harassment of ECHS users
The harassment of ECHS users with reference to the policy on three nonth issue of medicine vs one month, changed over recently, has caused us deep concern.
While the establishment's reasoning of 'ethical issues' and logistics etc is understood, it needs to be appreciated that in healthcare (primarily a service industry), aspects of 'client satisfaction and ease' need to be paramount. It is in this that the 'regimentation' system, essential in service life, needs to make way in the 'second innings' -veterans in need of an empathetic assistance for healthcare, even at the cost of adjusting procedures.
There are many cases of the immense pain and inconvenience to veterans. It needs to be pointed out that these refer to SENIOR officer veterans living in metros. One shudders to think how bad the situation would be for 98% veteran population living in isolated rural areas; particularly for semi literate, aging JCO/ OR veterans!!
There are many others. I got a call from Col Narainan in Chennai, close to 90 years of age, helplessly complaining of how difficult it is to go 25 Km to the ECHS Polyclinic, to get medicine. AND spending MORE on transport than the cost of medicine!! If it were 90 days issue, it would perhaps mean cost effectiveness, AND less journeys, difficult to undertake at his age. To top it up, one cant delegate collections to even the spouse. So he and his 80 year old wife, both chronically sick/ ill, trudge to the Polyclinic every month!! SAD you will agree.
This case must be forcefully taken up with ECHS HQ for onward projection and resolution. If processes need to be changed, so be it. BUT Patient interests NEED to BE PARAMOUNT. A rethink on this, and reversion to the old system is required. Who else can an ex serviceman look to for support than his erstwhile comrades in arms?
Retirement in any case, is a future reality for ALL current corp of serving soldiers.............and in attending to these issues, we can only have a win win situation.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi (Retd)
While the establishment's reasoning of 'ethical issues' and logistics etc is understood, it needs to be appreciated that in healthcare (primarily a service industry), aspects of 'client satisfaction and ease' need to be paramount. It is in this that the 'regimentation' system, essential in service life, needs to make way in the 'second innings' -veterans in need of an empathetic assistance for healthcare, even at the cost of adjusting procedures.
There are many cases of the immense pain and inconvenience to veterans. It needs to be pointed out that these refer to SENIOR officer veterans living in metros. One shudders to think how bad the situation would be for 98% veteran population living in isolated rural areas; particularly for semi literate, aging JCO/ OR veterans!!
There are many others. I got a call from Col Narainan in Chennai, close to 90 years of age, helplessly complaining of how difficult it is to go 25 Km to the ECHS Polyclinic, to get medicine. AND spending MORE on transport than the cost of medicine!! If it were 90 days issue, it would perhaps mean cost effectiveness, AND less journeys, difficult to undertake at his age. To top it up, one cant delegate collections to even the spouse. So he and his 80 year old wife, both chronically sick/ ill, trudge to the Polyclinic every month!! SAD you will agree.
This case must be forcefully taken up with ECHS HQ for onward projection and resolution. If processes need to be changed, so be it. BUT Patient interests NEED to BE PARAMOUNT. A rethink on this, and reversion to the old system is required. Who else can an ex serviceman look to for support than his erstwhile comrades in arms?
Retirement in any case, is a future reality for ALL current corp of serving soldiers.............and in attending to these issues, we can only have a win win situation.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi (Retd)
3 months medicine for veterans by Lt Gen KM Seth
From: krish seth sethkrish2006@yahoo.co.in
Sent: Sunday, 20 September, 2009 7:30:55 PM
Subject: ECHS - TWO IMPORTANT EMAILS FROM IESM - EMAIL 684/2009 - 20 SEP 09 - (R to S)
My Dear Chander,
I am pained to read about the hardships being faced because the medicine is now being disbursed only for thirty days as against 90.I will personally take up this issue with our chief and if required would meet the Hon Minister of Defence.
Great job being done by you all.
Gen Seth.
With Best wishes.
(Lt Gen KM Seth, Former Adjt General, Former Governor of Tripura,and Chhatisgarh from June 2000 to Jan 2008.)
Sent: Sunday, 20 September, 2009 7:30:55 PM
Subject: ECHS - TWO IMPORTANT EMAILS FROM IESM - EMAIL 684/2009 - 20 SEP 09 - (R to S)
My Dear Chander,
I am pained to read about the hardships being faced because the medicine is now being disbursed only for thirty days as against 90.I will personally take up this issue with our chief and if required would meet the Hon Minister of Defence.
Great job being done by you all.
Gen Seth.
With Best wishes.
(Lt Gen KM Seth, Former Adjt General, Former Governor of Tripura,and Chhatisgarh from June 2000 to Jan 2008.)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
RR Situation by Maj Gen Satbir Singh
Dear Brig Kuthiala
1. Six years have gone by, the ECHS has many problems. The scheme which was to improve the quality of health care of ESM and reduce burden on the service hospitals has ended up causing harassment and inconvenience to ESM. You are aware that as per our terms and condition, the ESM and his spouse are to be provided health care by the Govt (Service hospitals) till we go away from this world. ECHS gave benefits for dependent parents and children. If surgical measures are not adopted, we will end up in chaotic situation. I wish to quote one example. On Saturday 12 Sep 2009 I and my wife happened to go to RR. What I saw and went through does not behove well for ESM health care. The RR has refused to accept ESM, even those who were already under treatment at RR. They say, we should go to empanelled hospitals. You all are aware, all good hospitals have withdrawn from the ECHS for non payment of bills and other reasons. If RR does not accept ESM, where will they go? Secondly the procedure for getting RR referral and with in RR is too tedious.
2. Friends, as one grows old, the need for health care increases. It is the ESM in large numbers who would need to visit medical establishments for health care. If good civil hospitals are not coming forth and military hospitals like RR, Base hospitals and other military hospital don’t accept ESM, where are we going to go?
3. Brig Kuthila, IESM came to being only when other organizations were not able to address issues for the welfare of ESM. Let us not worry about what other ESM organisatiions will do. Let us delver and build up ESM confidence in IESM. If we succeed in doing so, all ESM will start looking up to IESM. Any positive suggestions will have to be accepted by the ECHS MD, the service HQs, MOD and the Govt.
4. Let us go ahead and prepare a good paper on ECHS and take up the issues on Op Immediate Basis.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email : satbirsm@yahoo.com
1. Six years have gone by, the ECHS has many problems. The scheme which was to improve the quality of health care of ESM and reduce burden on the service hospitals has ended up causing harassment and inconvenience to ESM. You are aware that as per our terms and condition, the ESM and his spouse are to be provided health care by the Govt (Service hospitals) till we go away from this world. ECHS gave benefits for dependent parents and children. If surgical measures are not adopted, we will end up in chaotic situation. I wish to quote one example. On Saturday 12 Sep 2009 I and my wife happened to go to RR. What I saw and went through does not behove well for ESM health care. The RR has refused to accept ESM, even those who were already under treatment at RR. They say, we should go to empanelled hospitals. You all are aware, all good hospitals have withdrawn from the ECHS for non payment of bills and other reasons. If RR does not accept ESM, where will they go? Secondly the procedure for getting RR referral and with in RR is too tedious.
2. Friends, as one grows old, the need for health care increases. It is the ESM in large numbers who would need to visit medical establishments for health care. If good civil hospitals are not coming forth and military hospitals like RR, Base hospitals and other military hospital don’t accept ESM, where are we going to go?
3. Brig Kuthila, IESM came to being only when other organizations were not able to address issues for the welfare of ESM. Let us not worry about what other ESM organisatiions will do. Let us delver and build up ESM confidence in IESM. If we succeed in doing so, all ESM will start looking up to IESM. Any positive suggestions will have to be accepted by the ECHS MD, the service HQs, MOD and the Govt.
4. Let us go ahead and prepare a good paper on ECHS and take up the issues on Op Immediate Basis.
With Kind Regards,
Jai Hind
Yours Sincerely,
Maj Gen (Retd) Satbir Singh, SM
Vice Chairman Indian ESM Movement
Mobile: 9312404269, 0124-4110570
Email : satbirsm@yahoo.com
IESM ECHS Division Concept Paper #1
From: Rakesh Prasad Chaturvedi
Date: Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 8:45 AM
Subject: IESM ECHS Division Concept Paper #1
To: Brig Kuthiala, air marshal rai , george kuruvilla , pandeykameshwar@gmail.com
Cc: DELETED
A Concept Paper on the Aims/ Objectives, Organization and Work Philosophy of the IESM ECHS Division is attached.
The names of Region/ Polyclinic Liaison Cells (RLC AND PLC) members have been separately forwarded to the MD ECHS for formal dissemination under his authorization. You are requested to await confirmation on this, before proceeding with any liaison with ECHS functionaries. This will be confirmed by ECHS Div HQ soon.
Of the many volunteers who offered their services for this noble venture, most have been adjusted in one of the Liaison Cells. We are still a long way from full representation in ALL Regions, and expect more veterans to step forward to assist the venture. RLC and PLC heads may please immediately start locating and forwarding to ECHS Div HQ, names of volunteer veteran Officers, JCOs and OR (and equivalents in Navy and Air Force), to give us 2-3 members for manning each RLC and PLC.
While presently our communications will continue on personal e mail ids, we will shortly switch to institutional mail ids /groups.
In the interim, you are requested to Prefix ECHS Div in the subject line, to facilitate filing/ creating folders.
Coordination guidelines would follow soon.
Report My Signal is requested to disseminate this, with request that user queries / suggestions may please be addressed to respective Region/ Polyclinic Liaison Cells (where existing) - Annexure 1 of Concept Paper refers. Thanks.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
Noida 201303.
Mob: +919891279035
...
INDIAN EX SERVICEMEN MOVEMENT ECHS DIVISION
CONCEPT PAPER #1 dt 11Sep 09
Evolving our Aim/Goals to Achieve, Organizational Matrix and Work Philosophy
1. With continually rising cost of medical care and simultaneous depleting income, Healthcare is a major concern for veterans.
2. Aware of this, the Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) has established an ECHS Division to address and assist ESM Healthcare issues.
3. The Division is chartered to assist in the creation of the Finest Healthcare system for ESM.
4. Two points need to be made.
a) Finest Healthcare system is a subjective term. To measure our progress in its creation, we need to establish WHAT constitutes ‘FINEST HEALTHCARE’. Some constituents are listed in para 5 as benchmark, so we know what we are aiming at. The ECHS Division will endeavour to achieve these.
b) While ESM concentrations are identifiable in certain regions, there are areas that are not sufficiently populated with ESM, to justify
setting up of ECHS polyclinics. Consequently creation of an effective Healthcare grid will need to address thin ESM habitations in isolated /remote areas.
5. Essentials of ‘The Finest Healthcare System’.
a) Clean, comfortable polyclinics with hygienic facilities for drinking water, toilets and spacious, ventilated waiting areas with adequate seating.
b) Speedy Registration.
c) Empathetic staff and Doctors. ECHS is basically a ‘Service Industry’. The ‘Comfort and Feel Good of the client (patient) comes FIRST – Always and Every time.
d) A Prioritization system for patients in distress/ Senior Veterans and those needing urgent attention.
e) Quick consultation with Doctor and issue of medicine.
f) Expeditious procurement of NA medicines. Intimation to patient about availability.
g) Issued medicines to have sufficient residual shelf life.
h) Simplification of processes to ensure patient is not harassed / made to run around for referrals, approvals etc.
i) Simple processes to ensure empanelled hospitals and not the patient , run around to get approvals/ intimations etc. Polyclinic to be the Single window for all the patient’s requirements.
j) Speedy processing and clearing of hospital bills.
k) Speedy processing and clearance of patient reimbursements.
l) Monitoring and Performance Audit of Empanelled Hospitals.
m) A support system to render advice including legal, to ‘wronged’ veterans to file consumer complaints in case of default/ deficiency in services at any level of the medical chain.
6. In case of any dispute/doubt on what is to be done, the Patients’ convenience and comfort must be the supreme, overriding, deciding factor ALWAYS AND EVERYTIME.
7. Organization of ECHS Division. Ensuring the desired constituents discussed above, necessitates presence of ECHS Division representatives at every level of ECHS HQ/ Polyclinics. . (For Organization of ECHS refer to ECHS Information Brochure 2008 OR visit ECHS website http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/arechs.htm ). The following organization is therefore planned.
a) IESM ECHS Division HQ at Delhi, forming part of the IESM Core Group. Comprises of
Air Marshal Kuldeep Rai, AVSM Kulusha1112@gmail.com 9818601740
Rear Admiral George Kuruvilla, VSM georgekuruvila@gmail.com 9447508936
Brigadier Sateesh Kuthiala Kuthiala27@hotmail.com 9811660251
Colonel RP Chaturvedirp chaturvedi@gmail.com 9891279035
Hony Lt Kameshwar Pandey pandeykameshwar@gmail.com9811059825
b) Region Liaison Cells collocated with ECHS Region Centres. Presently 13. 15 more are on the anvil. List of Region/ Polyclinic Liaison Cell members is attached as Annexure 1. Only stations highlighted in Yellow have been represented so far, based on available volunteers.
Jammu (J&K, HP, Punjab)Jaipur (Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab)
Chandimandir ( Punjab, HP)Lucknow ( Uttaranchal, UP)
New Delhi (NCR, Haryana)Jabalpur ( MP, Chhatisgarh, UP)
Pune (Goa,M’rashtra,Guj,MP,UP, Raj) Patna (Bihar, Jharkand, Orissa)
Chennai (Tamil Nadu, A&N)Kolkata ( West Bengal, Sikkim)
Kochi ( Kerala, Lakshdweep)Guwahati (Assam , NE states)
Hyderabad ( AP, Karnataka)
c) Polyclinic Liaison Cells collocated with ECHS Polyclinics. ECHS Brochure/ website refers.
d) Volunteers at Polyclinics.
8. Working Philosophy. The ECHS Division is basically a ‘User Interface’. It works on the premise that the ECHS organization is as keen to improve functioning as any other professional organization, which indeed the Defence services are. Its approach consequently would be based on close interaction with both, the ESM, as users, and the ECHS as the provider of health services. It is vital therefore that ECHS Division members exercise high grade diplomacy and cordiality in ensuring anticipated changes rather than assume a role of ‘auditors/ inspectors/ nambardaars/ union leaders’ which WILL be counterproductive. We want improvements and have little place for crass, undisciplined and rude behaviour/showdowns. Our role has to be participative and constructive. Diplomacy and finesse’ is called for. We therefore need volunteers with a cool, balanced temperament.
9. Duties.
a) ECHS Division HQ.
i) Will maintain CLOSE contact with both, the Region Liaison Cell and ECHS HQ, to provide an apex ‘bridge’ between the user and provider.
ii) Will identically interact with other Governmental bodies/ organizations in pursuit of an effective healthcare system for ESM.
iii) Will evolve necessary plans, presentations and instructions to guide the ECHS Division efforts.
b) Region Liaison Cell.
i) Will identify and recommend to ECHS Division, volunteer veteran (Officers, JCO and OR (and equivalents in Navy and Air Force)) to be nominated as members of Region and Polyclinic Liaison Cells.
ii) Will remain in close touch with the ECHS Region Centre and the Polyclinic Liaison Cells, and assist in resolution of ESM Healthcare problems in consultation with the two.
iii) Will keep IESM ECHS Div HQ apprised of problems not resolved with Region Centre.
iv) Will liaise with local Station HQ informally to expedite any issue affecting ESM healthcare.
v) In case of any veteran being admitted / evacuated to their geographic area, visit and seek a feed back.
vi) Assist in any consumer court/ legal issue with service provider.
c) Polyclinic Liaison Cell.
i) Will maintain regular and cordial contact with the ECHS OC, staff and IMPORTANTLY, the users- patients. Will act as bridge between the two, to ensure patient care and problems are expeditiously attended to.
ii) Feedback and assistance of Region Liaison Cell will be sought in case resolution locally is not possible/ working out.
iii) Will identify volunteers who wish to help out in making ESM care comfortable. While details will need to be worked out locally, the following duties may be possible.
· Assisting with Reception/ Registration, particularly when ECHS staff may be on leave etc.
· Guiding / explaining to patients, issues related to prescriptions, latest instructions, administrative problems etc.
· Prioritizing of patients who may be in need of urgent attention.
· Assisting out with administration in liaison with RWAs.
· Helping / escorting the elderly if required.
· Visit / seek feedback on efficacy of treatment at empanelled hospitals.
10. Monitoring. A Monthly Report from RLC to Div HQ, on E Mail, will indicate:
a) Satisfaction levels at polyclinics, deficiencies of medicines, amenities etc.
b) Cases to which ‘neglect’ can be ascribed.
c) Details of NA medicines including period for which NA.
d) Any QC issues.
e) Any misuse cases.
11. Conclusion. Even God is said to help those who help themselves. Our philosophy to organize the Finest Healthcare for ESM revolves around this. While interactive confabulations WILL continue with ECHS staff/ HQ at all levels, we perceive that the REAL difference to OUR healthcare would emerge from a participative involvement.
...
Annexure 1 (Refers to
Para 7b of Concept Paper #1 )
IESM ECHS DIVISION
MEMBERS OF REGION LIAISON CELLS AND POLYCLINIC LIAISON CELLS
(Updated to 11 Sep 2009)
Region
Rank
Name
Contact No
Contact No 2
E Mail ID
Chandigarh
Brig
Opinder Singh
9914709980
fortglobal.okay@gmail.com
Chandigarh
Col
Ravi Bedi
9417068048
0172-2747329
nda32ravibedi@yahoo.co.in
Chennai
Gp Capt
KS Raghavchari, VM
ks.raghavchari@gmail.com
Cochin
Col
RB Nair
colnair@yahoo.com
Delhi
Brig
Abhay Bhargava
9871357775
011-41636610
brigabhay@gmail.com
Delhi
Wg Cdr
Raman Sopory
9958133173
raman@sopory.com
Jabalpur
Brig
BS Mehta
9993093152
brig_bsm@yahoo.com
Pune
Lt Col
VD Patil
9923701885
020-64002493
bscd123@yahoo.com
Secunderabad
Wg Cdr
AB Bhushan
9848048651
040-27805146
avulab@hotmail.com
Polyclinic
Chandigarh
Col
Rajesh Dua
9915600505
0172-2794659
rajeshdua@yahoo.com
Chandigarh
Brig
Saranjit Sahney
sahneyss@gmail.com
Cochin
Lt Col
MS Yohannan
9446129175
yohannans@rediffmail.com
Cochin
Lt Col
Mary Yohannan
0484-2536081
yohannans@rediffmail.com
Palakkad
Sqn Ldr
M Rajan*
rajanmechery232@gmail.com
Kunnur
Col
NR Kurup
9847128960
colnkurup@gmail.com
Dehradun
Lt Col
Pradeep Goyal
colpgoyal@gmail.com
Delhi
Lt Col
RS Tripathi
9311152224
tripathi_54@yahoo.com
Gurgaon
Brig
DK Uberoy
9810171917
duberoy@gmail.com
Noida
Brig
CM Harnal
9911263870
0120-2950302
cmharnal@yahoo.co.in
Noida
Lt Col
DK Sharma
9818439699
Una, HP
Lt Col
Rajinder Singh
9418109228
charansingh31@yahoo.co.in
Date: Tue, Sep 15, 2009 at 8:45 AM
Subject: IESM ECHS Division Concept Paper #1
To: Brig Kuthiala
Cc: DELETED
A Concept Paper on the Aims/ Objectives, Organization and Work Philosophy of the IESM ECHS Division is attached.
The names of Region/ Polyclinic Liaison Cells (RLC AND PLC) members have been separately forwarded to the MD ECHS for formal dissemination under his authorization. You are requested to await confirmation on this, before proceeding with any liaison with ECHS functionaries. This will be confirmed by ECHS Div HQ soon.
Of the many volunteers who offered their services for this noble venture, most have been adjusted in one of the Liaison Cells. We are still a long way from full representation in ALL Regions, and expect more veterans to step forward to assist the venture. RLC and PLC heads may please immediately start locating and forwarding to ECHS Div HQ, names of volunteer veteran Officers, JCOs and OR (and equivalents in Navy and Air Force), to give us 2-3 members for manning each RLC and PLC.
While presently our communications will continue on personal e mail ids, we will shortly switch to institutional mail ids /groups.
In the interim, you are requested to Prefix ECHS Div in the subject line, to facilitate filing/ creating folders.
Coordination guidelines would follow soon.
Report My Signal is requested to disseminate this, with request that user queries / suggestions may please be addressed to respective Region/ Polyclinic Liaison Cells (where existing) - Annexure 1 of Concept Paper refers. Thanks.
With Warm Regards,
Col RP Chaturvedi,
A-35, Sector 36,
Noida 201303.
Mob: +919891279035
...
INDIAN EX SERVICEMEN MOVEMENT ECHS DIVISION
CONCEPT PAPER #1 dt 11Sep 09
Evolving our Aim/Goals to Achieve, Organizational Matrix and Work Philosophy
1. With continually rising cost of medical care and simultaneous depleting income, Healthcare is a major concern for veterans.
2. Aware of this, the Indian Ex Servicemen Movement (IESM) has established an ECHS Division to address and assist ESM Healthcare issues.
3. The Division is chartered to assist in the creation of the Finest Healthcare system for ESM.
4. Two points need to be made.
a) Finest Healthcare system is a subjective term. To measure our progress in its creation, we need to establish WHAT constitutes ‘FINEST HEALTHCARE’. Some constituents are listed in para 5 as benchmark, so we know what we are aiming at. The ECHS Division will endeavour to achieve these.
b) While ESM concentrations are identifiable in certain regions, there are areas that are not sufficiently populated with ESM, to justify
setting up of ECHS polyclinics. Consequently creation of an effective Healthcare grid will need to address thin ESM habitations in isolated /remote areas.
5. Essentials of ‘The Finest Healthcare System’.
a) Clean, comfortable polyclinics with hygienic facilities for drinking water, toilets and spacious, ventilated waiting areas with adequate seating.
b) Speedy Registration.
c) Empathetic staff and Doctors. ECHS is basically a ‘Service Industry’. The ‘Comfort and Feel Good of the client (patient) comes FIRST – Always and Every time.
d) A Prioritization system for patients in distress/ Senior Veterans and those needing urgent attention.
e) Quick consultation with Doctor and issue of medicine.
f) Expeditious procurement of NA medicines. Intimation to patient about availability.
g) Issued medicines to have sufficient residual shelf life.
h) Simplification of processes to ensure patient is not harassed / made to run around for referrals, approvals etc.
i) Simple processes to ensure empanelled hospitals and not the patient , run around to get approvals/ intimations etc. Polyclinic to be the Single window for all the patient’s requirements.
j) Speedy processing and clearing of hospital bills.
k) Speedy processing and clearance of patient reimbursements.
l) Monitoring and Performance Audit of Empanelled Hospitals.
m) A support system to render advice including legal, to ‘wronged’ veterans to file consumer complaints in case of default/ deficiency in services at any level of the medical chain.
6. In case of any dispute/doubt on what is to be done, the Patients’ convenience and comfort must be the supreme, overriding, deciding factor ALWAYS AND EVERYTIME.
7. Organization of ECHS Division. Ensuring the desired constituents discussed above, necessitates presence of ECHS Division representatives at every level of ECHS HQ/ Polyclinics. . (For Organization of ECHS refer to ECHS Information Brochure 2008 OR visit ECHS website http://www.indianarmy.gov.in/echs/arechs.htm ). The following organization is therefore planned.
a) IESM ECHS Division HQ at Delhi, forming part of the IESM Core Group. Comprises of
Air Marshal Kuldeep Rai, AVSM Kulusha1112@gmail.com 9818601740
Rear Admiral George Kuruvilla, VSM georgekuruvila@gmail.com 9447508936
Brigadier Sateesh Kuthiala Kuthiala27@hotmail.com 9811660251
Colonel RP Chaturvedirp chaturvedi@gmail.com 9891279035
Hony Lt Kameshwar Pandey pandeykameshwar@gmail.com9811059825
b) Region Liaison Cells collocated with ECHS Region Centres. Presently 13. 15 more are on the anvil. List of Region/ Polyclinic Liaison Cell members is attached as Annexure 1. Only stations highlighted in Yellow have been represented so far, based on available volunteers.
Jammu (J&K, HP, Punjab)Jaipur (Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab)
Chandimandir ( Punjab, HP)Lucknow ( Uttaranchal, UP)
New Delhi (NCR, Haryana)Jabalpur ( MP, Chhatisgarh, UP)
Pune (Goa,M’rashtra,Guj,MP,UP, Raj) Patna (Bihar, Jharkand, Orissa)
Chennai (Tamil Nadu, A&N)Kolkata ( West Bengal, Sikkim)
Kochi ( Kerala, Lakshdweep)Guwahati (Assam , NE states)
Hyderabad ( AP, Karnataka)
c) Polyclinic Liaison Cells collocated with ECHS Polyclinics. ECHS Brochure/ website refers.
d) Volunteers at Polyclinics.
8. Working Philosophy. The ECHS Division is basically a ‘User Interface’. It works on the premise that the ECHS organization is as keen to improve functioning as any other professional organization, which indeed the Defence services are. Its approach consequently would be based on close interaction with both, the ESM, as users, and the ECHS as the provider of health services. It is vital therefore that ECHS Division members exercise high grade diplomacy and cordiality in ensuring anticipated changes rather than assume a role of ‘auditors/ inspectors/ nambardaars/ union leaders’ which WILL be counterproductive. We want improvements and have little place for crass, undisciplined and rude behaviour/showdowns. Our role has to be participative and constructive. Diplomacy and finesse’ is called for. We therefore need volunteers with a cool, balanced temperament.
9. Duties.
a) ECHS Division HQ.
i) Will maintain CLOSE contact with both, the Region Liaison Cell and ECHS HQ, to provide an apex ‘bridge’ between the user and provider.
ii) Will identically interact with other Governmental bodies/ organizations in pursuit of an effective healthcare system for ESM.
iii) Will evolve necessary plans, presentations and instructions to guide the ECHS Division efforts.
b) Region Liaison Cell.
i) Will identify and recommend to ECHS Division, volunteer veteran (Officers, JCO and OR (and equivalents in Navy and Air Force)) to be nominated as members of Region and Polyclinic Liaison Cells.
ii) Will remain in close touch with the ECHS Region Centre and the Polyclinic Liaison Cells, and assist in resolution of ESM Healthcare problems in consultation with the two.
iii) Will keep IESM ECHS Div HQ apprised of problems not resolved with Region Centre.
iv) Will liaise with local Station HQ informally to expedite any issue affecting ESM healthcare.
v) In case of any veteran being admitted / evacuated to their geographic area, visit and seek a feed back.
vi) Assist in any consumer court/ legal issue with service provider.
c) Polyclinic Liaison Cell.
i) Will maintain regular and cordial contact with the ECHS OC, staff and IMPORTANTLY, the users- patients. Will act as bridge between the two, to ensure patient care and problems are expeditiously attended to.
ii) Feedback and assistance of Region Liaison Cell will be sought in case resolution locally is not possible/ working out.
iii) Will identify volunteers who wish to help out in making ESM care comfortable. While details will need to be worked out locally, the following duties may be possible.
· Assisting with Reception/ Registration, particularly when ECHS staff may be on leave etc.
· Guiding / explaining to patients, issues related to prescriptions, latest instructions, administrative problems etc.
· Prioritizing of patients who may be in need of urgent attention.
· Assisting out with administration in liaison with RWAs.
· Helping / escorting the elderly if required.
· Visit / seek feedback on efficacy of treatment at empanelled hospitals.
10. Monitoring. A Monthly Report from RLC to Div HQ, on E Mail, will indicate:
a) Satisfaction levels at polyclinics, deficiencies of medicines, amenities etc.
b) Cases to which ‘neglect’ can be ascribed.
c) Details of NA medicines including period for which NA.
d) Any QC issues.
e) Any misuse cases.
11. Conclusion. Even God is said to help those who help themselves. Our philosophy to organize the Finest Healthcare for ESM revolves around this. While interactive confabulations WILL continue with ECHS staff/ HQ at all levels, we perceive that the REAL difference to OUR healthcare would emerge from a participative involvement.
...
Annexure 1 (Refers to
Para 7b of Concept Paper #1 )
IESM ECHS DIVISION
MEMBERS OF REGION LIAISON CELLS AND POLYCLINIC LIAISON CELLS
(Updated to 11 Sep 2009)
Region
Rank
Name
Contact No
Contact No 2
E Mail ID
Chandigarh
Brig
Opinder Singh
9914709980
fortglobal.okay@gmail.com
Chandigarh
Col
Ravi Bedi
9417068048
0172-2747329
nda32ravibedi@yahoo.co.in
Chennai
Gp Capt
KS Raghavchari, VM
ks.raghavchari@gmail.com
Cochin
Col
RB Nair
colnair@yahoo.com
Delhi
Brig
Abhay Bhargava
9871357775
011-41636610
brigabhay@gmail.com
Delhi
Wg Cdr
Raman Sopory
9958133173
raman@sopory.com
Jabalpur
Brig
BS Mehta
9993093152
brig_bsm@yahoo.com
Pune
Lt Col
VD Patil
9923701885
020-64002493
bscd123@yahoo.com
Secunderabad
Wg Cdr
AB Bhushan
9848048651
040-27805146
avulab@hotmail.com
Polyclinic
Chandigarh
Col
Rajesh Dua
9915600505
0172-2794659
rajeshdua@yahoo.com
Chandigarh
Brig
Saranjit Sahney
sahneyss@gmail.com
Cochin
Lt Col
MS Yohannan
9446129175
yohannans@rediffmail.com
Cochin
Lt Col
Mary Yohannan
0484-2536081
yohannans@rediffmail.com
Palakkad
Sqn Ldr
M Rajan*
rajanmechery232@gmail.com
Kunnur
Col
NR Kurup
9847128960
colnkurup@gmail.com
Dehradun
Lt Col
Pradeep Goyal
colpgoyal@gmail.com
Delhi
Lt Col
RS Tripathi
9311152224
tripathi_54@yahoo.com
Gurgaon
Brig
DK Uberoy
9810171917
duberoy@gmail.com
Noida
Brig
CM Harnal
9911263870
0120-2950302
cmharnal@yahoo.co.in
Noida
Lt Col
DK Sharma
9818439699
Una, HP
Lt Col
Rajinder Singh
9418109228
charansingh31@yahoo.co.in
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Second opinion from Specialists
Dr. Veena
toinfo@doctorhealthchat.com
dateSun, Sep 13, 2009 at 12:08 AM
subject:Second opinion from Specialists
mailed-bydoctorhealthchat.com
hide details 12:08 AM (0 minutes ago)
Hi,
Have you ever tried fixing a meeting with a super-specialist in a hospital ?
It has always been difficult to meet the super specialists like Cardiologist, Oncologist, Urologist (or any other specialist). Even if you get to meet the specialist, the interaction time is so little that you hardly get time to clarify all your doubts.
To solve this problem, HealthcareMagic has recently launched its Super Specialist Opinion Service. Now you can talk over phone to a Senior Cardiologist or Oncologist or a Neurologist or get a reply from these super specialists over Email. You can email your medical reports so that the specialist is aware of your case in advance.
You can directly select your super specialist, view his profile and send him an email/request for a phone call at HealthcareMagic.
This may be an important service if someone known to you is already diagnosed with a serious problem and wants to talk to a specialist to get his opinion.
Best Regards,
HealthcareMagic
toinfo@doctorhealthchat.com
dateSun, Sep 13, 2009 at 12:08 AM
subject:Second opinion from Specialists
mailed-bydoctorhealthchat.com
hide details 12:08 AM (0 minutes ago)
Hi,
Have you ever tried fixing a meeting with a super-specialist in a hospital ?
It has always been difficult to meet the super specialists like Cardiologist, Oncologist, Urologist (or any other specialist). Even if you get to meet the specialist, the interaction time is so little that you hardly get time to clarify all your doubts.
To solve this problem, HealthcareMagic has recently launched its Super Specialist Opinion Service. Now you can talk over phone to a Senior Cardiologist or Oncologist or a Neurologist or get a reply from these super specialists over Email. You can email your medical reports so that the specialist is aware of your case in advance.
You can directly select your super specialist, view his profile and send him an email/request for a phone call at HealthcareMagic.
This may be an important service if someone known to you is already diagnosed with a serious problem and wants to talk to a specialist to get his opinion.
Best Regards,
HealthcareMagic
Hearing and Speech clinic offers military discount to faujis
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Hearing and Speech clinic offers military discount to faujis and families
Ritu Chaudhary, a highly experienced Audiologist and Speech Pathologist (Formerly with PGI Chandigarh) with more than 15 years of experience, offers upto 15% discount on selected models of hearing aids for defence personnel and their families at her clinic.
All advanced hearing tests and methods of speech therapy are available at the clinic which is also fully equipped with latest state-of-the-art computerised equipment for diagnosis and rehabilitation of hearing loss.
Readers located in North India may want to make use of this facility. Ritu Chaudhary’s Hearing and Speech Clinic is located at:
SCO 65, First Floor, Sector 20-C (Tribune Road)
Chandigarh -160020
Hearing and Speech clinic offers military discount to faujis and families
Ritu Chaudhary, a highly experienced Audiologist and Speech Pathologist (Formerly with PGI Chandigarh) with more than 15 years of experience, offers upto 15% discount on selected models of hearing aids for defence personnel and their families at her clinic.
All advanced hearing tests and methods of speech therapy are available at the clinic which is also fully equipped with latest state-of-the-art computerised equipment for diagnosis and rehabilitation of hearing loss.
Readers located in North India may want to make use of this facility. Ritu Chaudhary’s Hearing and Speech Clinic is located at:
SCO 65, First Floor, Sector 20-C (Tribune Road)
Chandigarh -160020
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Emergency Cases Echs by Brig Kuthiala
From: sateesh kuthiala [mailto:kuthiala27@hotmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 6:35 PM
To: MDECHS
Subject: emergency cases echs
Dear Gen, cases such as att bring a bad name to the org and nullify the excellent work being done by all of you. we had a meeting of ESM from all over the country recently- chennai, kerala, bangalore ,rajasthan,haryana,HP, punjab etc. the common refrain seemed to be the negative attitude of OIC polyclinics. some veterans expressed strong views on some OICs whom they even named.The OIC polyclinic is obviously the frontman for all dealings with veterans and therefore his importance. in this particular case (Ashvini) a message needs to be sent out. also please see how this offrs problem with regards to dialysis thrice a week can be resolved to his satisfaction ASAP. Thanx
Brig Sateesh Kuthiala
Sent: Tuesday, September 01, 2009 6:35 PM
To: MDECHS
Subject: emergency cases echs
Dear Gen, cases such as att bring a bad name to the org and nullify the excellent work being done by all of you. we had a meeting of ESM from all over the country recently- chennai, kerala, bangalore ,rajasthan,haryana,HP, punjab etc. the common refrain seemed to be the negative attitude of OIC polyclinics. some veterans expressed strong views on some OICs whom they even named.The OIC polyclinic is obviously the frontman for all dealings with veterans and therefore his importance. in this particular case (Ashvini) a message needs to be sent out. also please see how this offrs problem with regards to dialysis thrice a week can be resolved to his satisfaction ASAP. Thanx
Brig Sateesh Kuthiala
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)