MEDICAL FACILITIES TO EX-SERVICEMEN
The
Ex-Servicemen, their families and families of deceased service
personnel drawing pension of any kind are entitled to free out-patient
treatment in 127 Military Hospitals (109 Army, 11 Air Force and
7 Navy Hospitals) and over 1000 Medical Inspection Rooms (including
24 MI rooms and 12 dental centres exclusively meant for Ex-servicemen)
in terms of provisions of the Regulations for the Medical Services
for the Armed Forces 1983 (RMSAF-1983). Ex-servicemen are provided
in-patient treatment in Military Hospitals subject to the availability
of beds. These facilities can be availed of only by those who
live in proximity. Others on the recommendations of the 5th
Central Pay Commission may opt to receive a fixed medical allowance
of Rs. 100/- per month for meeting expenditure on day-to-day medical
expenses. The scope of these concessions, however, does not include
treatment of cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, leprosy, mental disease,
malignant disease or any other disease for which the treatment
is not available from local military sources. In addition to this
financial assistance for specified diseases at specified rates
is provided to ex-servicemen and their dependents from Armed Forces
Flag Day Fund.
The Army Group Insurance introduced
a medical insurance scheme for ex-servicemen/dependents to provide
cover for treatment for heart, cancer, renal transplant, hip/knee
joint replacement, prostrate surgery etc. in authorized hospitals.
Representations have been
received from various ex-servicemen organisations/individuals
to provide adequate medicare at par with Central Government civilian
pensioners.
A proposal to provide comprehensive
medicare to ex-servicemen and their dependents is under active
consideration of the Government.
This information was given
by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply
to Col (Retd) Sona Ram Choudhary in Lok Sabha today.
