Addendum to ECHS Drug Policy: Key Updates on ECDL-2024 and NAC for Non-CDL Medicines
The Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) has issued an important addendum dated 10 November 2025, providing further clarity on the implementation of the ECHS Common Drug List (ECDL-2024) and the Non-Availability Certificate (NAC) policy for medicines not included in the CDL. This update aims to streamline medicine procurement, improve patient care, and ensure timely access to essential and life-saving drugs.
Understanding the New ECHS Addendum
This addendum refers to two key ECHS policy letters issued earlier:
- Implementation Directives of ECDL-2024 (dated 31 July 2024)
- Policy on NAC for Non-CDL Medicines (dated 12 November 2024)
Together, these letters form the basis for the latest instructions applicable across all Commands, Regional Centres, and ECHS Polyclinics.
Primary Responsibility of SEMO/SEDO
The circular reiterates that the provisioning of medicines and consumables is primarily the responsibility of SEMO/SEDOs, who remain the central authority for medicine supply within ECHS. Their role includes:
- Ensuring consistent availability of essential medicines
- Managing centralised procurement
- Supporting ECHS Polyclinics with timely supply
Dynamic Nature of the ECHS Common Drug List (ECDL)
As per earlier directives, the ECDL is a dynamic document. This means:
- New medicines can be added based on SEMO recommendations
- Approval for inclusion rests with Central Organisation ECHS
- Essential and widely required medicines may be incorporated over time
The addendum further clarifies that SEMOs are authorised to procure anti-cancer and other vital life-saving medicines even if they are not listed in the ECDL. This ensures that critical patient care is not delayed due to documentation or policy limitations.
Emergency Procurement Powers for SEMO
SEMO may use emergency financial powers to procure essential non-CDL medicines under these conditions:
- Procurement must be patient-specific, not bulk
- Quantity should match the required treatment duration
- Medicines must fall into the anti-cancer or vital life-saving category
Polyclinics can request inclusion of such medicines in the ECDL, but only after proper recommendation from the SEMO.
Sanction for Non-CDL Medicines
Certain critical medicines that are not part of the ECDL may still be provided to beneficiaries. The process is:
- SEMO examines and recommends the medicine
- Proposal goes to Central Organisation ECHS
- Upon approval by MD, CO ECHS, the medicine is sanctioned
- It may later be added permanently to the ECDL
For uniformity, Appendix A and Appendix B (included with the circular) provide standard formats for SEMO recommendations and MD sanctions.
Mandatory Compliance for All ECHS Formations
All Regional Centres, Commands, and Polyclinics must:
- Follow the process outlined in previous policy letters
- Use the prescribed formats for Non-CDL medicine approval
- Ensure timely dissemination of these instructions to staff
The new directions come into effect from 07 November 2025 and have been approved by the MD, CO ECHS.