How to Avail ECHS Cashless Treatment at A&B Hospital Pokhara

Getting cashless medical treatment as a retired Indian Army Gorkha veteran in Pokhara is straightforward — if you know the process. A & B International Hospital is ECHS empanelled, meaning you pay nothing out of pocket for covered treatments. This guide walks you through every step, from the polyclinic visit to discharge.

What Is ECHS Cashless Treatment and How Does It Work?

ECHS cashless treatment means the empanelled hospital provides medical care to the beneficiary without collecting payment at the point of service. The hospital bills ECHS directly for all approved procedures, investigations, and medicines — the patient and family bear no direct cost for covered items.

Under the ECHS scheme, empanelled hospitals like A & B International Hospital in Pokhara have a signed agreement with ECHS to render treatment to eligible ex-servicemen and dependents. The billing process is managed between the hospital and ECHS. The beneficiary’s only obligation is to present valid documentation — primarily the ECHS Smart Card and referral letter — at the time of registration. For medications, diagnostics, and surgical procedures that fall within ECHS entitlements, no cash is exchanged between patient and hospital.

This cashless model removes a critical barrier to healthcare access for Gorkha veterans and their families living in Nepal, where many lack health insurance and depend on out-of-pocket payments for private hospital care.

What Documents Must You Carry for ECHS Cashless Treatment?

Every ECHS beneficiary must carry their valid ECHS Smart Card and, for non-emergency visits, the referral letter issued by the ECHS Polyclinic Pokhara. A government-issued photo ID for identity verification is also recommended. Without the ECHS Smart Card, cashless treatment cannot be processed.

Essential documents to carry:

• ECHS Smart Card — primary document; mandatory for all visits
• Referral letter from ECHS Polyclinic Pokhara — required for all non-emergency visits
• Indian Army Discharge Book or PPO number — for identity verification
• Previous medical records — lab reports, imaging, discharge summaries relevant to the current condition
• Photo ID of dependent — if the patient is a dependent visiting without the primary card-holder

It is advisable to carry photocopies of all documents along with originals, as the hospital may retain copies for ECHS billing records.

Step 1: Should You Visit the ECHS Polyclinic Before Coming to A & B Hospital?

Yes. For all non-emergency conditions, the first step is visiting ECHS Polyclinic Pokhara. The polyclinic provides OPD consultation, basic investigations, and medicines. Only when the condition requires specialist care or hospital-level treatment does the polyclinic issue a referral to an empanelled hospital like A & B.

The ECHS Polyclinic Pokhara (Type A) is the gateway for all planned ECHS treatment for Nepal-based ex-servicemen in the Gandaki region. Bypassing the polyclinic for non-emergency conditions can result in treatment not being covered under cashless ECHS. The polyclinic is designed to handle:

• General OPD consultations
• Basic laboratory and diagnostic tests
• Dispensing of medicines listed in the ECHS formulary
• Issuing specialist referrals for conditions beyond polyclinic capacity

Once the polyclinic doctor issues a referral, you can proceed directly to A & B International Hospital for specialist care or admission.

Step 2: How Do You Register at A & B Hospital Under ECHS?

On arrival at A & B International Hospital, proceed to the ECHS registration counter with your Smart Card and referral letter. Hospital staff will verify your documents, register you as an ECHS patient, and direct you to the appropriate department — no upfront payment is required at this stage.

At the registration counter, the hospital will:

1. Verify the ECHS Smart Card (check validity, beneficiary name, and enrollment of dependents if applicable).
2. Record the referral letter details and retain a copy for ECHS billing.
3. Assign an ECHS patient registration number.
4. Direct you to the relevant outpatient department (OPD) or admissions desk if inpatient care is required.

The process is designed to be quick. If there is any document discrepancy, hospital staff will guide you on the next steps. In most cases, patients are seen by the relevant specialist within a short wait time after ECHS registration.

Step 3: What Happens During Specialist Consultation and Investigations?

The specialist at A & B reviews your condition, the polyclinic referral, and any previous records. All consultations, diagnostic investigations (blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, ECG), and prescribed medicines that fall within ECHS entitlements are provided cashlessly — the hospital documents everything for ECHS billing.

During your specialist appointment:

• The doctor reviews your history and the polyclinic’s referral notes.
• Any required diagnostic tests are ordered and processed at A & B’s in-house laboratory and radiology department.
• Medicines prescribed during the visit are dispensed from the hospital pharmacy under ECHS — no payment is collected for covered drugs.
• If admission is required, the admissions process is initiated directly from the OPD, with ECHS covering the inpatient stay, investigations, procedures, and medicines during admission.

For high-cost procedures — such as major surgeries, implants, or specific investigations — the hospital may seek pre-authorization from ECHS before proceeding, which is standard protocol to ensure coverage.

Step 4: How Is Billing Handled at Discharge?

At discharge, A & B Hospital prepares an itemized ECHS bill covering all services rendered during the visit or admission. This bill is submitted directly to ECHS — the patient does not pay for covered services. The patient receives a discharge summary and, if applicable, a prescription for continued medicines.

The discharge process for ECHS patients at A & B:

1. The billing department prepares a detailed claim with all services listed.
2. The patient reviews and signs the ECHS treatment record.
3. The bill is submitted to ECHS through the established claims process.
4. The patient receives the discharge summary and any follow-up instructions.
5. If follow-up visits are needed, the polyclinic is informed and a follow-up referral may be issued.

Important: Any services not covered under ECHS — such as items specifically excluded by the scheme — will be communicated to the patient in advance, and these will be the patient’s responsibility. The hospital team will always clarify coverage before rendering non-covered services.

What Happens If It Is an Emergency? Do You Still Need a Referral?

No. In a medical emergency, ECHS beneficiaries can go directly to A & B International Hospital’s emergency department without a prior referral from the polyclinic. Emergency treatment is initiated immediately, and referral documentation is completed after stabilization.

Conditions that qualify as emergencies under ECHS include:

• Chest pain, suspected heart attack, or cardiac arrhythmia
• Stroke or sudden neurological events
• Severe trauma, fractures, or road accident injuries
• High-grade fever with altered consciousness
• Obstetric emergencies (severe bleeding, eclampsia)
• Acute abdominal emergencies (appendicitis, bowel obstruction)
• Respiratory distress or difficulty breathing
• Severe burns or poisoning

In these situations, A & B’s 24-hour emergency team will stabilize and treat the patient immediately. The ECHS Smart Card should be presented at the earliest opportunity. Post-emergency, the patient or family must report to the ECHS Polyclinic Pokhara within the timeframe specified by ECHS guidelines to complete the documentation.

Emergency contact — A & B International Hospital: +977 061-412512 (24 hours)

Contact A & B International Hospital for ECHS Cashless Treatment

You have earned this benefit through your service. A & B International Hospital in Pokhara makes it simple to access everything you are entitled to under ECHS — without paperwork delays, without upfront payments, and without travelling to India.

A & B International Hospital

Bindhyaabasini, Pokhara-02, Kaski, Nepal

Phone: +977 061-412512

Website: abinthospital.com

Emergency: 24 hours, 7 days

Bring your ECHS Smart Card and referral letter. Our team handles everything else.