Haridwar, 1 September (H.S.):

In a landmark collaboration, the Ex-Servicemen Welfare Department and Patanjali Yoggram have signed a historic agreement under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) to provide free treatment to former soldiers and their families at Patanjali centers. The pact ensures unlimited coverage for treatments in yoga, Ayurveda, and naturopathy, benefiting approximately 6 million ex-servicemen and their dependents.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed and formalized in a ceremonial event at the Patanjali University mini-auditorium, witnessed by Major General MPS Gill, decorated with the Indian Army’s Distinguished Service Medal, and Swami Ramdev. Addressing the gathering, Swami Ramdev praised the dual role of soldiers and saints in serving the nation in their unique ways, expressing gratitude for the privilege of Patanjali serving the armed forces.

Swami Ramdev urged for the extension of this agreement to current soldiers as well, a proposal positively received by Major General Gill. Highlighting Patanjali’s exceptional healthcare reach, Ramdev stated that over 3,000 patients are treated daily, with plans to increase capacity to 5,000 and incorporate modern surgical procedures soon. He emphasized the holistic healing potential of yoga, Ayurveda, and naturopathy in managing critical illnesses like cancer, diabetes, heart blockages, and spine disorders, backed by extensive evidence collected by Patanjali.

Major General Gill acknowledged the prolonged but fruitful process of finalizing the agreement and vowed to expedite its extension to active military personnel. The pact directly benefits six million ex-servicemen, offering substantial healthcare relief.

Acharya Balkrishna, Patanjali Yogpeeth’s General Secretary, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to innovation and excellence in traditional medicine, calling Ayurveda an intrinsic part of life rather than merely a treatment system. He announced the issuance of Patanjali’s Swadeshi Samriddhi Card to all ex-servicemen, including accident insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh.

The agreement was formally signed by Colonel Jitendra Kumar, Regional Director, ECHS Dehradun, and Swami Aryadev, Head of Service at Yoggram, marking a significant stride in empowering India’s veterans through holistic wellness solutions.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar