ECHS में कैंसर रोधी दवाओं की उपलब्धता (2026): पूरी सलाह, प्रक्रिया और मरीज़ों की देखभाल के टिप्स
The Central Organisation ECHS has issued a major advisory on 13 January 2026 regarding the availability, issue and reimbursement of anti-cancer medicines for ECHS beneficiaries. This advisory consolidates earlier government communications from the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
📌 Key Purpose of the Advisory
The new instructions ensure that no cancer patient under ECHS faces interruption in treatment due to medicine availability issues. Clear workflows have been laid out for:
- OPD cancer medicine supply (ECDL & Non-ECDL)
- IPD / Day-care cancer medicine requirement
- NAC (Non-Availability Certificate) procedures
- Reimbursement rules for medicines purchased by empanelled hospitals
- Maintaining continuity of cancer care
🔍 1. How Anti-Cancer Medicines Are Provided Under ECHS
🔹 a) When ECHS Can Provide the Medicines
The parent ECHS Polyclinic will demand prescribed anti-cancer medicines from the SEMO. If feasible, ECHS supplies the medicines directly.
🔹 b) When ECHS Cannot Supply the Medicines
If medicines are unavailable, the empanelled hospital (HCO) will procure and administer them. In such cases:
- HCO must upload GST invoice or provide packaging showing batch no., expiry, MRP
- The cost will be limited to 70% of the MRP (Para 2).
🔍 2. Anti-Cancer Medicines for OPD Patients
✔ ECDL Medicines (Essential Drug List)
- OIC Polyclinic checks availability at Polyclinic pharmacy & SEMO.
- If unavailable, a NAC is printed on the prescription.
- Beneficiary may procure locally & claim reimbursement.
✔ Non-ECDL Medicines
- SEMO issues NAC after receiving demand from Polyclinic.
- Reimbursement sanction is issued by MD CO ECHS.
🔍 3. Anti-Cancer Medicines for IPD / Day-Care Patients
✔ ECDL Medicines
If unavailable, ECHS issues a Referral-cum-NA form to empanelled HCO.
✔ Non-ECDL Medicines
OIC Polyclinic verifies with SEMO, and if not available, issues Referral-cum-NA for inpatient cancer treatment continuation.
🔍 4. Mandatory Record-Keeping by Polyclinics
Polyclinics must maintain:
- Email communication with SEMO for all NAC/Referral-cum-NA cases
- Updated records of all cancer patients & their medicine needs
- Projected monthly requirement to ensure uninterrupted supply
- Immediate reporting of changes in patient count or treatment protocol
🔥 Interim Relief: NAC Certificate Valid for Both OPD & IPD
As per the follow-up advisory dated 15 January 2026, if empanelled hospitals hesitate due to unclear rules, the Appx ‘A’ NAC Certificate issued by SEMO will be valid for all cancer treatments across OPD and IPD until detailed rules are finalized.—
❤️ Cancer Care: Practical Advice for Patients & Caregivers
Cancer treatment is both emotionally and physically challenging. Alongside following ECHS procedures, families should ensure proper care at home and during treatment.
🛡️ 1. Handling Anti-Cancer Medicines Safely
- Always wear gloves when handling oral chemotherapy tablets.
- Never crush or split tablets unless advised.
- Store medicines in a cool, dry place away from children.
- Check batch number, expiry and seal integrity before use.
🥗 2. Nutrition & Lifestyle Tips for Cancer Patients
- Prefer high-protein meals like dal, paneer, eggs, soy, nuts.
- Stay hydrated—small sips frequently.
- Avoid raw, unhygienic food during low immunity phases.
- Mild walking improves energy and mood.
🧠 3. Managing Treatment Side-Effects
- Nausea: Have small frequent meals, avoid oily food.
- Fatigue: Prioritize rest but maintain gentle activity.
- Mouth ulcers: Rinse with turmeric or baking soda solution.
- Hair loss: Use mild shampoo and protect scalp from sun.
🧑🤝🧑 4. Caregiver Guidance
- Maintain medicine calendar & follow-up schedule.
- Support emotional health—listen patiently.
- Ensure safe transportation for hospital visits.
- Keep all ECHS documents, prescriptions, NAC copies organized.
⚠️ When to Seek Emergency Medical Help
- High fever (>100.4°F)
- Severe vomiting or dehydration
- Sudden breathlessness
- Uncontrolled bleeding or bruising
- Severe allergic reactions after chemotherapy
The 2026 ECHS Advisory ensures transparent, uninterrupted, and patient-friendly cancer medicine support for all beneficiaries. By streamlining NAC, reimbursement, and supply management, it significantly reduces delays in cancer care.
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