Rajnath Singh inaugurates India’s first military medicine dept in Lucknow

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually inaugurated the Department of Military Medicine at the Command Hospital (Central Command) in Lucknow on July 29.

• It marks the establishment of the country’s first dedicated academic and operational department exclusively focused on military medicine. 

Highlights of Dept of Military Medicine:

• It is established under the aegis of the Directorate General of Medical Services (Army).

• The newly-established department has been conceived as a centre of excellence in military medicine and will serve as the principal academic, research and doctrinal hub for Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).

• The initiative aims to enhance combat medical readiness, advancing research, developing indigenous doctrines and creating specialised expertise for future battlefields and humanitarian contingencies. 

• It will provide structured education and training in military and operational medicine, facilitate postgraduate programmes in domains such as combat medicine, combat surgery and trauma care, and promote indigenous research tailored to India’s operational requirements.

• It will also foster innovation in technology-enabled battlefield medicine, simulation-based training, telemedicine, prolonged field care and medical decision support.

• The department will be developed in a phased manner, with the initial phase focusing on establishment and commencement of academic programmes.

• The establishment of the department aligns with the government’s vision of strengthening indigenous capabilities and enhancing the operational preparedness of the defence forces. 

• It also complements the proposed Global Military Medicine Centre envisioned under the Raksha Strategy Vision 2026-30.