A polyclinic under Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS) was opened at Urwa Store in Mangalore on Saturday.

GoC (Karnataka and Kerala) Maj Gen K S Venugopal said that the Defence Ministry has extended support to the setting up of polyclinics depending on the population of ex-servicemen and the availability of land.

“We need at least 5,000 enrolled members to start a clinic. The non availability of land had delayed the setting up of polyclinic in Karnataka. There are 15 ECHS polyclinics in the State while Kerala had nearly double the number.

ECHS in-charge Colonel (retd) N Balakrishna said that Rs 40 lakh had been spent to set up the polyclinic at Urwa Store. The centre will have two doctors, one dentist and one medical specialist and staff to diagnose health problems. Colonel (retd) J N Serrao said that for advanced treatment, ex-servicemen will be directed to any of the empanelled hospitals in city. The polyclinic has a laboratory, ECG machine, X-ray, and other facilities.