ECHS Recruitment 2026 - Apply Offline for 14 DEO, Medical Officer And More Posts

Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), Ministry of Defence, Government of India, has announced recruitment for 14 positions across two ECHS Polyclinics - ECHS Polyclinic Baripada (BAM) and ECHS Polyclinic Bhubaneswar (BPT) in Odisha for the year 2026. This recruitment drive seeks to fill various critical positions including Medical Officers, Data Entry Operators (DEO), Pharmacists, Laboratory Technicians, and other essential healthcare and administrative support staff. ECHS represents the Government of India's commitment to the welfare of armed forces veterans and their families. Established to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to ex-servicemen pensioners and their dependents, the scheme operates through a vast network of polyclinics across India, offering primary healthcare services, diagnostic facilities, and referral support for specialized treatment at empanelled hospitals. The two polyclinics covered in this recruitment - ECHS Polyclinic Baripada and ECHS Polyclinic Bhubaneswar - serve significant veteran populations in their respective regions of Odisha. These facilities function as the primary point of medical consultation for ECHS beneficiaries, providing outpatient consultations, routine diagnostic investigations, pharmacy services, health monitoring, and administrative support for accessing tertiary healthcare facilities. This recruitment encompasses a diverse range of positions that are fundamental to the effective functioning of healthcare facilities. Medical Officer positions are the backbone of ECHS polyclinics, responsible for providing primary medical care, conducting consultations, diagnosing ailments, prescribing treatments, managing chronic conditions, providing preventive healthcare guidance, and ensuring quality medical services to veteran beneficiaries and their families. Medical Officers in ECHS polyclinics handle a wide spectrum of cases ranging from common ailments like hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory infections to age-related conditions prevalent among elderly veterans. The role demands not just clinical expertise but also empathy, patience, and respect for senior citizens who have served the nation. MBBS qualification with registration from MCI or State Medical Council is mandatory, and candidates with experience in general practice or family medicine are particularly valued. Data Entry Operator positions are crucial for the digital management of medical records, patient registration, appointment scheduling, report generation, and maintaining the ECHS information system. In today's digital healthcare environment, DEOs play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless information flow, maintaining confidentiality of medical data, processing claims, and supporting the administrative functions of the polyclinic. Candidates require graduate qualifications with proficiency in computer operations, typing skills, and familiarity with medical terminology. Pharmacist positions require qualified B.Pharm or Diploma in Pharmacy holders registered with State Pharmacy Councils. Pharmacists in ECHS polyclinics are responsible for dispensing medications as per prescriptions, maintaining accurate pharmacy inventory, ensuring proper storage conditions for medicines, checking expiry dates, providing medication counseling to elderly patients, managing pharmacy records, and coordinating with vendors for timely medicine procurement. Given that many beneficiaries are elderly with multiple medications, pharmacists must possess excellent counseling skills and attention to detail. Laboratory Technician positions are essential for conducting routine diagnostic tests including blood tests, urine analysis, biochemical investigations, and other pathological examinations. These professionals operate sophisticated laboratory equipment, maintain quality control standards, collect samples, process tests, prepare reports, and ensure accuracy in diagnostic services. Candidates with Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) or equivalent qualifications are eligible. Additional positions include support staff such as Nursing Assistants, Sanitation Workers, Attendants, and Administrative Assistants who collectively ensure the smooth operation of polyclinics. Each role, regardless of hierarchy, contributes significantly to the overall patient experience and service quality. The salary structure is competitive and varies from Rs. 21,800 to Rs. 95,000 per month depending on the position, qualification, and level of responsibility. Medical Officers command the highest salaries given their critical role and professional qualifications, while support staff receive remuneration commensurate with their job requirements. All positions offer reasonable compensation considering the contractual nature of employment. A distinguishing feature of ECHS recruitment is the strong preference accorded to ex-servicemen and their dependents. This policy reflects the organization's dual objective of not only providing healthcare to veterans but also creating employment opportunities within the defense community. Ex-servicemen benefit from age relaxations, preferential consideration in selection, and familiarity with military culture and protocols, which proves advantageous in serving veteran beneficiaries. The age limit for various positions ranges from 53 to 68 years, which is significantly higher than typical government recruitments. This age flexibility accommodates retired defense personnel who seek post-retirement employment while contributing their experience, discipline, and work ethic to the organization. Civilians are also eligible to apply but do not receive the same age relaxations or preferential treatment. Employment is offered on a contractual basis with a tenure of 1 year for ex-servicemen and 11 months for civilian candidates. However, contracts are generally renewable based on performance evaluation and organizational requirements, providing reasonable job continuity. Many employees continue for extended periods through contract renewals. Interested candidates must apply through offline mode by preparing a detailed application along with all required documents. Applications should include a comprehensive biodata/resume with complete personal details, educational qualifications, work experience, and contact information. Self-attested photocopies of all relevant certificates including educational degrees, experience letters, medical registration certificate (for doctors), pharmacy council registration (for pharmacists), discharge certificate (for ex-servicemen), caste certificate (if applicable), and recent passport-size photographs must be attached. Applications must be sent by post or delivered by hand to the respective polyclinic addresses as mentioned in the official notification. The last date for receiving applications is March 01, 2026. Applications received after this deadline will not be entertained under any circumstances. Shortlisted candidates will be called for personal interviews where they will be assessed on their professional qualifications, experience, communication skills, understanding of ECHS functioning, and suitability for working in a healthcare environment serving elderly beneficiaries. Interview dates and venues will be communicated to eligible candidates via phone or email. This recruitment offers meaningful employment opportunities to serve those who have served the nation, providing healthcare to veterans and their families while pursuing a stable career in the government healthcare sector.