ECHS Empanelled Hospital in Pokhara — A & B International Hospital

A & B International Hospital, located at Bindhyaabasini, Pokhara-02, is an ECHS empanelled hospital serving retired Indian Army Gorkha ex-servicemen and their families across the Gandaki Province. For Nepal Domiciled Gorkha (NDG) veterans who have served the Indian Army, accessing quality specialist healthcare close to home is both a right and a necessity. This page is your complete guide to using A & B International Hospital under the ECHS scheme.

What Does ECHS Empanelment Mean for an Ex-Serviceman?

ECHS empanelment means the hospital is officially approved by the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme to provide cashless medical treatment to eligible retired Indian Army personnel and their dependents. The hospital bills ECHS directly — the beneficiary pays nothing at the point of care for covered services.

The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was launched by the Indian Government to provide comprehensive healthcare to retired Armed Forces personnel and their families. Empanelment is granted to hospitals that meet specific infrastructure, specialist, and quality standards. Once empanelled, the hospital enters a formal agreement with ECHS to render treatment without collecting payment from the beneficiary for approved procedures — the reimbursement flows directly from ECHS to the hospital.

For Gorkha veterans settled in Nepal, this is especially significant. Rather than travelling to India for treatment or paying out of pocket at local private hospitals, ECHS beneficiaries can access high-quality care at A & B International Hospital in Pokhara under the same cashless entitlement that applies within India.

Who Is Eligible to Use A & B International Hospital Under ECHS?

Any retired Indian Army Gorkha soldier holding a valid ECHS Smart Card, along with their enrolled dependents (spouse, children, and dependent parents), is eligible to access cashless treatment at A & B International Hospital Pokhara for all ECHS-covered conditions.

Eligibility extends to:

• Ex-servicemen (ESM): All ranks of retired Indian Army personnel, including those discharged on medical grounds, with a valid ECHS Smart Card.
• Spouse: Wife of the ESM enrolled on the ECHS card.
• Dependent children: Unmarried children up to the age of 25 (subject to ECHS rules).
• Dependent parents: Parents wholly dependent on the ESM and enrolled in ECHS.

The ECHS Smart Card is the primary identification document. It must be current and valid. If a card has expired or dependents have not been enrolled, benefits cannot be extended until the card is updated through the appropriate ECHS Station Headquarters or the Embassy of India, Kathmandu.

What Medical Specialties Are Available at A & B International Hospital?

A & B International Hospital offers a broad range of specialties including orthopedics, general medicine, surgery, gynecology, obstetrics, pediatrics, ENT, dentistry, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, and diagnostic services including laboratory and imaging — covering the vast majority of conditions that ECHS beneficiaries require.

The hospital is equipped to handle:

• Orthopedics and joint care: Knee, hip, and spine conditions common among aging veterans.
• General medicine and internal medicine: Diabetes, hypertension, cardiac conditions, chronic disease management.
• General and laparoscopic surgery: Hernia, gallbladder, appendix, and other surgical procedures.
• Gynecology and obstetrics: Maternity care for dependent family members.
• Pediatrics: Child health services for enrolled dependent children.
• ENT: Ear, nose, and throat care, including hearing loss evaluation.
• Ophthalmology: Eye care including cataract surgery.
• Dentistry: Dental procedures within ECHS entitlements.
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation: Post-surgical and chronic condition rehabilitation.
• Diagnostics: Pathology, biochemistry, radiology (X-ray, ultrasound), and ECG.

How Does the ECHS Referral Process Work at A & B Hospital Pokhara?

For non-emergency treatment, an ESM first visits the ECHS Polyclinic Pokhara, receives a consultation, and if specialist or hospital-level care is needed, the polyclinic issues a referral to A & B International Hospital. The ESM then presents the referral and ECHS Smart Card at A & B to begin cashless treatment.

The standard process is as follows:

1. Visit ECHS Polyclinic Pokhara (Type A Polyclinic, established April 2014) for OPD consultation.
2. Polyclinic doctor evaluates the condition and determines whether specialist or hospital-level care is required.
3. Referral letter is issued to A & B International Hospital specifying the required department or procedure.
4. ESM visits A & B with the ECHS Smart Card and referral letter.
5. A & B registers the patient under ECHS, provides treatment, and raises the bill directly with ECHS — no payment is collected from the patient for covered services.

In emergencies, the referral step is bypassed entirely. An ESM or their family member can go directly to A & B International Hospital’s 24-hour emergency department without a prior referral. The hospital will initiate treatment immediately and the referral documentation is handled retrospectively.

What Documents Should an ESM Carry When Visiting A & B Hospital?

Every ECHS beneficiary visiting A & B International Hospital should carry their ECHS Smart Card, the referral letter from ECHS Polyclinic Pokhara (for non-emergency visits), and a valid government-issued photo ID such as an Indian Discharge Book or passport.

Recommended documents:

• ECHS Smart Card (primary document — mandatory)
• Referral letter from ECHS Polyclinic Pokhara (for non-emergency cases)
• Indian Army Discharge Book / PPO (for identity verification if needed)
• Previous medical records relevant to the current complaint (discharge summaries, lab reports, imaging)
• Passport or government photo ID of the beneficiary or dependent

For dependents visiting without the primary ESM card-holder, the ECHS card showing the dependent’s enrollment is sufficient, accompanied by a photo ID of the dependent.

Where Is A & B International Hospital Located in Pokhara?

A & B International Hospital is located at Bindhyaabasini, Pokhara-02, Kaski, Nepal. It is easily accessible from central Pokhara and from the ECHS Polyclinic. The hospital operates a 24-hour emergency service.

Address: Bindhyaabasini, Pokhara-02, Kaski, Nepal

Phone: +977 061-412512

Website: abinthospital.com

Emergency: Available 24 hours, 7 days a week

The hospital is situated in the Bindhyaabasini area of Pokhara Metropolitan City Ward No. 2, within close proximity to the main urban centre of Pokhara. Gorkha veterans from surrounding districts — Kaski, Syangja, Parbat, Lamjung, and Tanahu — can reach the hospital via regular road transport. For patients requiring ambulance transport, the hospital’s emergency line can be contacted directly.

Take the Next Step: Book Your ECHS Appointment at A & B Hospital Pokhara

A & B International Hospital is ready to serve you and your family with the quality and respect you have earned through your service to the Indian Army. Whether you need a specialist consultation, diagnostic workup, surgical procedure, or emergency care, the hospital’s ECHS-empanelled status means you receive full cashless treatment without financial stress.

Contact A & B International Hospital today:

• Address: Bindhyaabasini, Pokhara-02, Kaski, Nepal
• Phone: +977 061-412512
• Website: abinthospital.com
• Emergency services: 24/7

Bring your ECHS Smart Card and referral letter (for non-emergency visits) and let our team take care of the rest. Your health is our commitment.