The Kashmir Dialogues
As Operation Sindoor unfolded with strategic precision in India’s ongoing counter-terrorism efforts, the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) emerged as a pillar of resilience by maintaining seamless healthcare services for veterans across border areas, despite challenging operational conditions.
Spearheaded by the Indian Armed Forces, Operation Sindoor focused on dismantling terrorist infrastructure across sensitive zones. Behind the frontlines, the success of the mission was strongly supported by robust institutional frameworks—most notably, the consistent delivery of medical care by ECHS polyclinics.
ECHS facilities in forward and high-risk locations such as Rajouri, Naushera, Surankot, Sundarbani, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Firozepur remained fully functional throughout the operation. Regional Centres at Jammu and Jalandhar, in close coordination with Station Headquarters, ensured that staffing and services were uninterrupted. These polyclinics continued to provide essential outpatient services, diagnostic tests, and medicine distribution, serving entitled beneficiaries even amid heightened tension.
What stands out is the dedication shown in areas directly affected by the operation, where polyclinics operated at optimal capacity despite lacking hardened infrastructure. This level of preparedness highlights the institutional resilience and professionalism of the ECHS staff, many of whom worked under immense pressure.
Moreover, empanelled hospitals were placed on high alert to respond to emergencies, trauma cases, and possible mass casualty scenarios. In this context, Pir Panjal Hospital in Sunderbani made a significant contribution by providing timely support to veterans in the Poonch region.
To streamline emergency care further, ECHS established a dedicated Call Room to promptly address the medical needs of veterans during the operation.
Sheikh Sameer
Rameez Makdoomi
Nadiya Bashir
