News Alert: The Central Organisation ECHS has issued a critical advisory dated 23 January 2026 regarding the Provision of Anti-Cancer Medicines. This order ensures that Ex-Servicemen (ESM) undergoing cancer treatment do not face disruption in medicine supply at empanelled private hospitals.
According to the new directive, if the ECHS Polyclinic cannot supply the prescribed anti-cancer drug, the Non-Availability Certificate (NAC) issued by the Senior Executive Medical Officer (SEMO) will now be valid for both OPD and IPD treatment. Private hospitals have been instructed to procure and administer these medicines directly.
The New Rule for Cancer Medicine Procurement
Many ECHS beneficiaries were facing refusal from private hospitals for anti-cancer drugs due to confusion over reimbursement rates. The advisory clarifies the procedure to ensure continuity of treatment.
The Process:
- Step 1: The Parent Polyclinic checks stock. If available, medicine is issued.
- Step 2: If not available, the Polyclinic/SEMO issues a Non-Availability Certificate (NAC).
- Step 3: With this NAC, the private hospital (HCO) MUST procure the medicine from their vendor and administer it to the patient.
- Step 4: The hospital submits the bill for reimbursement along with the purchase invoice (or vial sticker/batch details).
This ensures veterans do not have to buy expensive medicines from their pocket. For those re-employed, checking Ex-Servicemen Pay Fixation Rules Re Employment Dopt 2026 Rules is also recommended for salary benefits.
| Scenario | Old Situation | New Rule (Jan 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine Stock | Available at Polyclinic | First Source: Polyclinic/SEMO |
| If Not Available (NA) | Patient asked to buy/wait | HCO must procure & administer |
| NA Certificate Validity | Often disputed for IPD | Valid for OPD & IPD |
| Reimbursement | Complex process | Allowed (Approx 70% of MRP limit) |
Responsibility of Empanelled Hospitals
Private hospitals cannot force ECHS beneficiaries to purchase medicines from outside if they are admitted or under authorised chemotherapy. The hospital must procure the drug once the NAC is produced.
The advisory states that if an external vendor invoice is not available, the hospital must submit the outer pouch/vial sticker showing the Batch No, Expiry Date, and MRP. ECHS will reimburse the cost (subject to a ceiling, often 70% of MRP).
Beneficiaries residing in non-ECHS areas should also review the Latest 8th Pay Commission Fma Fixed Medical Allowance Hike 2026 for allowance updates.
SEMO Authority and Emergency Powers
The Senior Executive Medical Officer (SEMO) retains the power to sanction “patient-specific” procurement for vital life-saving drugs not in the Common Drug List (CDL). The NA Certificate signed by the SEMO is the final authority for the private hospital to proceed.
This procedure aligns with broader reimbursement principles. Similar claims processing is followed under CGHS, as detailed in the Cghs Medical Reimbursement Rules 2026 Package Rates Claim Process Rules.
Can a private hospital refuse to provide cancer medicine?
No. If you have a valid referral and a Non-Availability Certificate (NAC) from the ECHS Polyclinic/SEMO, the hospital is obligated to procure and provide the medicine.
Do I need to pay for the medicine first?
No. In empanelled hospitals, the treatment is cashless. The hospital buys the medicine and claims reimbursement from ECHS directly.
Is the NA Certificate valid for OPD treatment?
Yes. The advisory dated 23 Jan 2026 confirms that the Appx ‘A’ (NA Certificate) is valid for both OPD and IPD cancer treatment as an interim measure.
हिंदी सारांश
ECHS ने 23 जनवरी 2026 को कैंसर दवाओं को लेकर एक नया आदेश जारी किया है। अब अगर ECHS पॉलीक्लिनिक में कैंसर की दवा उपलब्ध नहीं है, तो SEMO द्वारा जारी ‘उपलब्धता न होने का प्रमाण पत्र’ (NAC) दिखाकर प्राइवेट अस्पताल को दवा का इंतजाम करना होगा। अस्पताल मरीज से दवा बाहर से खरीदने के लिए नहीं कह सकता। यह नियम OPD और IPD दोनों के लिए लागू है।
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