'Empowering Our Troopers' -DGAFMS Shares Vision Document and Roadmap to Upgrade Combat Medical Services
PUNE: Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to upgrade combat medical services, aiming to modernise the infrastructure and provide cutting-edge care to armed forces personnel.
Speaking at an exclusive interview with Tamil NaduNews.com, DGFS outlined various projects aimed at enhancing patient care, operational readiness, and capacity building. The 'Yodha Rakshak' programme is a flagship initiative focused on training combatants in life-saving skills, empowering them to perform self and buddy care during conflict.
Key infrastructure projects include upgrading field hospitals with modular facilities for enhanced mobility, establishing an Institute of Military Medicine at Lucknow, and developing indigenous solutions to unique health challenges such as high altitude. Vice Admiral Sarin also mentioned that a High-Altitude Medical Research Institute will be set up at Leh to tackle this challenge.
In response to questions about the shortage of doctors in the armed forces, DGAFMS stated that recruitment efforts are ongoing, with around 250-450 medical officers being recruited annually. Outreach programmes are also being conducted to attract top talent, with AFMC offering a world-centric education programme to train 150 MBBS students per year.
DFGS emphasized collaboration and research will be crucial in the near future, with partnerships being explored with international institutions like ICMR, IITs, AIIMS, New Delhi. Research projects include studies on patterns of injuries worldwide, indigenous solutions for combat medical care, and medical advancements through collaborations like iDEX and TDAC.
Vice Admiral Sarin proudly shared her journey as the first woman officer to lead military health services, highlighting milestones in her illustrious career. "The experience gained from serving in all three armed forces – Army, Navy, Air Force – deepened my commitment to our soldiers and their well-being."
India's Enhanced Commitment to Combat Medical Services
As Vice Admiral Arti Sarin steps up the helm of AFMS, she reiterates her vision of a 'Seamless Combat Medical Service.' Under her leadership, combat medical services will witness an era of innovative practices and holistic patient care.
A Roadmap for India's Next Generation Military Leaders
India stands poised to bolster its military might with Vice Admiral Sarin's forward-thinking approach. The indigenous technology driven initiatives proposed aim at making a tangible difference in the realm of modern healthcare.