The Indian Army has been actively working in the field of medical services by focusing on improving healthcare for its personnel, their families, and civilians in various regions, especially in remote and challenging areas.
At the beginning of this year, the Indian Army, as part of its ongoing community outreach efforts, conducted a medical camp in Manipur’s Bishnupur district to aid residents. The camp benefitted 200 locals of all age groups. This is just one example. The Army is known to carry out such camps across the country, especially in sensitive conflict zones where the local communities have little to no access.
The local population in the remote areas of border states may be scarce. But despite the numbers, the Indian Army holds medical camps. For instance, in July last year, the Army organised a medical camp at Damteng that benefitted 48 villagers. The camp was set up to provide medical assistance and raise health awareness among the local population.
In sensitive areas such as J&K and Ladakh, the Indian Army’s northern command plays a crucial role in providing holistic and intimate healthcare solutions in J&K and Ladakh.
This contribution significantly augments the civil health infrastructure in these regions.
In 2024, 4.67 lakh people benefitted in the region. A total of 6,578 medical camps and events were organised per year. The Indian Army contributed to the National Health Mission through local healthcare initiatives.
In the region, last year, the Army focused on providing holistic and intimate healthcare through initiatives such as organising medical camps in remote areas like Dudu Valley (Udhampur) and Uri, as well as conducting artificial limb fitment programmes in Rajouri. Special screenings, including PAP Smear Tests and Breast Cancer Screenings, have also been carried out in Udhampur. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Army enhanced oxygen generation capabilities across both military and civilian hospitals, establishing static and mobile oxygen plants in remote areas and providing oxygenated beds, quarantine zones, and isolation wards. Additionally, the Army has worked to strengthen civil-military relations through community-level medical engagement and consistent outreach programmes that promote health awareness and preventive care.
Moreover, the Army works closely with local health authorities to address prevalent health issues and improve community well-being.
In addition, the Indian Army provides medical assistance during natural disasters. It deploys medical teams to provide immediate care, set up field hospitals, and distribute essential medical supplies.
Moreover, the Army works closely with local health authorities to address prevalent health issues and improve community well-being in regions where the force is deployed.
The Army also distributes medicines, to make medical services available to those in need. These initiatives include specialised care for women and children, vaccination drives, and health awareness programmes.
In addition, the army collaborates with local health authorities to address prevalent health issues and improve overall community well-being. Through these efforts, the Indian Army significantly contributes to the health and welfare of people living in remote and underserved regions.
India is also leading the way in integrating military medical research into national health services, benefiting both troops and civilians. This progress is driven by collaborations between military and civilian medical institutions, extending military research to benefit civilian patients.
In 2024, the AFMS signed an agreement with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to lead research and development in key areas vital to military readiness and public health, such as high-altitude medicine, trauma care, infectious diseases, and aerospace medicine. Under this agreement, AFMS officers will be eligible to enroll in the council’s doctorate programme.
The breakdown of medical support provided includes several services across different events and beneficiaries.
A total of 780 medical camps were organised, benefiting 2,13,027 people. Special medical aid was provided at 85 events, assisting 13,118 individuals, while dental coverage was given to 21,231 people across 231 events.
Additionally, 98 vaccination drives reached 6,636 beneficiaries, and 399 awareness camps were conducted, benefiting 32,869 individuals. Artificial limbs and wheelchair camps assisted 1,89,749 people through 5,005 events.
Nursing training was provided to 85 individuals across 2,139 sessions, while wellness seminars were held 1,527 times. Specially-abled beneficiaries were also supported, with 136 individuals receiving care.
Apart from the local communities’ wellness, the armed forces also undertake research to ensure the well-being of their own troops deployed in high altitudes.
The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) collaborates with institutions like the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to advance medical research and care. This includes studying altitude-related illnesses and leveraging technologies like AI and robotics. Last year, the AFMS signed an agreement with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to conduct research for health research in high-altitude, battle-related trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder, aerospace medicine, infectious diseases, and other health issues faced by armed forces personnel.
These initiatives support military personnel and their families while extending benefits to the broader civilian population.
Aritra Banerjee is a defence & security columnist.