Command Hospital (Eastern Command) – Military hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal

  • 17/1E, Alipur Rd, Alipore Police Line, Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027
  • http://echs.gov.in/
  • 033 2479 1567
  • Open 24 hours

Command Hospital (Eastern Command), Kolkata: Services, Facilities, and ECHS Membership

Introduction Command Hospital (Eastern Command), located in Alipore, Kolkata, stands as a premier medical institution catering to the healthcare needs of armed forces personnel and their families. Established in 1870, it has evolved into a modern medical facility, delivering advanced treatment and care. The hospital not only serves active members of the armed forces but also retirees under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS). This article will provide a comprehensive overview of the hospital’s services, facilities, and membership benefits under ECHS.

About the Institution

Command Hospital (Eastern Command) is a tertiary care referral and teaching hospital, deeply rooted in history. It started as a 60-bedded British Medical Hospital in 1870 near the Kolkata Racecourse. Over the decades, it expanded to meet the increasing healthcare needs of India’s armed forces personnel. Since 1968, it has operated from its current location, providing cutting-edge medical care to both active and retired armed forces personnel, along with their families.

Key Highlights

  • Location: Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal
  • Year Established: 1870 (Present location since 1968)
  • Primary Focus: Healthcare for armed forces personnel and families across the eastern and northeastern regions of India.

Courses and Admission

Command Hospital (Eastern Command) plays a vital role in medical education. It conducts postgraduate medical courses, recognized by the Medical Council of India (MCI). These courses are designed to train doctors in key specialties, ensuring high-quality medical services within the armed forces.

Postgraduate Specializations

  • Medicine
  • Surgery
  • Anaesthesiology
  • Obstetrics & Gynaecology
  • Radiodiagnosis
  • Paediatrics
  • ENT
  • Ophthalmology
  • Pathology
  • Psychiatry

Admission Criteria

Each year, 28 students are admitted based on their performance in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). Admission is categorized based on priority groups:

  1. Priority I: Serving medical officers of the Indian Armed Forces.
  2. Priority II: Foreign nationals sponsored by the Government of India.
  3. Priority III: Medical officers sponsored by paramilitary organizations.
  4. Priority IV: Ex-servicemen candidates.
  5. Priority V: Civilian candidates.
  6. State Quota Candidates: State-reserved seats for local students.

Facilities and Services

Command Hospital (Eastern Command) offers a wide range of medical services, leveraging modern technologies and infrastructure to provide quality care. The hospital excels in tertiary care and is equipped to handle complex medical cases.

Medical Departments

  1. Emergency Care: Available 24/7 with specialized emergency management units.
  2. Outpatient Services: Extensive OPD services across all specialties.
  3. Inpatient Services: Offers over 500 beds, with well-equipped wards and ICUs.
  4. Diagnostic Services: Modern radiology and pathology labs with MRI, CT scan, X-ray, and other diagnostic tools.
  5. Surgical Units: State-of-the-art operation theatres for general and specialized surgeries.
  6. Pharmacy: Well-stocked with essential and specialized medicines.

Specialist Services

  • Cardiology: Comprehensive cardiac care, including diagnostics and interventions.
  • Neurology: Advanced care for neurological conditions.
  • Oncology: Cancer care with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
  • Orthopaedics: Specializes in bone, joint, and musculoskeletal treatments.
  • Mental Health: Psychological and psychiatric care, addressing the mental well-being of patients.

Intensive Care Units (ICUs)

  • General ICU: Provides critical care for seriously ill patients.
  • Cardiac ICU: Specialized for patients with heart conditions.
  • Neonatal ICU: Cares for premature or critically ill newborns.

Rehabilitation Services

  • Physiotherapy: Helps patients recover from injuries and surgeries.
  • Occupational Therapy: Aids in regaining independence in daily tasks.

Support Services

  • Dietary Services: Provides tailored nutrition plans for patients.
  • Ambulance Services: Quick-response emergency ambulances with medical support.
  • Blood Bank: A fully functional blood bank to ensure availability of blood during emergencies.

Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS)

The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was introduced to provide comprehensive healthcare to ex-servicemen and their dependents. Prior to 2002, retired personnel could access only limited medical benefits under the Army Group Insurance (Medical Branch Scheme) and Armed Forces Group Insurance Scheme. The launch of ECHS in 2003 expanded medical coverage to include treatment at both service hospitals and empanelled civil hospitals.

Key Features of ECHS

  1. Comprehensive Healthcare: Offers complete medical care to ex-servicemen and their families.
  2. Empanelled Hospitals: ECHS members can seek treatment at both service and empanelled private hospitals.
  3. No Age Bar: There is no age or medical condition restriction for joining the scheme.
  4. Reimbursement Facility: Provides reimbursement for emergency treatment at non-empanelled hospitals.
  5. Lifetime Membership: A one-time membership fee ensures lifetime coverage for ex-servicemen and eligible dependents.

Membership Contribution

Membership contribution varies depending on the grade pay of the ex-serviceman:

  • Rs 30,000 to Rs 1,20,000 (based on pay scale)

Coverage

  • Indoor and Outdoor Treatment: Covers both inpatient and outpatient services, including specialized tests.
  • Medicines: Free access to prescribed medicines through ECHS.

Organization and Management of ECHS

The ECHS operates under the Ministry of Defence, with its central organization headquartered in Delhi. It functions through a network of polyclinics, ensuring accessibility for ex-servicemen across the country.

Structure

  1. Central Organization: Located in Delhi and headed by a serving Major General.
  2. Regional Centres: 28 Regional Centres and 426 ECHS polyclinics manage healthcare delivery across various regions.
  3. Types of Polyclinics: ECHS polyclinics are categorized into five types (A, B, C, D, and E) based on their capacity and geographical coverage.

Command and Control

The ECHS is administered by the existing command structure of the armed forces. Station commanders oversee the operations of polyclinics within their jurisdiction. The system ensures smooth functioning of ECHS services, even during times of war or military exercises.

Benefits of ECHS Membership

ECHS membership provides several advantages to ex-servicemen and their dependents, ensuring high-quality medical care throughout their lifetime.

Key Benefits

  • No Treatment Ceiling: There is no monetary limit on treatment, ensuring comprehensive care.
  • Familiar Environment: Members receive care in a familiar, military-oriented healthcare setting.
  • Extensive Coverage: Includes outpatient, inpatient, diagnostic services, and medicines.
  • Dependents: Spouses and eligible dependents are also covered under the scheme.
  • Emergency Services: Emergency medical care can be availed at non-empanelled hospitals with reimbursement at Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) rates.

Expansion and Future Plans

The ECHS continues to evolve and expand its services to meet the growing demand from ex-servicemen across the country. The focus remains on enhancing the network of polyclinics and empanelled hospitals, particularly in non-military areas. Plans are underway to improve existing facilities, ensuring more robust healthcare services.

Contact Information:

  • Address: 17/1E, Alipore Rd, Alipore Police Line, Kolkata, West Bengal 700027
  • Phone: 033 2479 1567
  • Email: echs@sourceinfosys.com
  • WhatsApp: +91-7703818578 / 7701976194 / 8448086480 / 8448086481
  • Website: ECHS Official Website

Conclusion

Command Hospital (Eastern Command) remains a vital institution for the armed forces community, delivering state-of-the-art healthcare services. Through its robust medical facilities, it not only serves active personnel but also ensures that ex-servicemen and their families receive quality care through the ECHS scheme. The hospital’s commitment to medical excellence, supported by a well-structured ECHS network, makes it an essential pillar of military healthcare in India.

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