12-07-2025
Exploring use of drones to deliver critical medical supplies: DGAFMS
The Armed Forces Medical Services is exploring the use of drone technology on a pilot basis in delivering critical supplies, such as blood and medicines. It has planned a pilot initiative in challenging hilly terrain.
'We are incorporating technology like telemedicine, using point of care devices to ensure quick medical assistance, especially in remote areas and also help evacuate patients from the points of injury to health care. To enable quicker medical assistance, we are looking at the use of drones for the supply of blood and medicines on a pilot basis in hilly, difficult terrains,' Surg Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General, Armed Forces Medical Services, said on Saturday.
Regarding medical evacuation via drones, the DGAFMS said it was not yet a reality, but was hopeful about this becoming a promising future possibility. Admiral Sarin was in Pune on Saturday at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC). She was the reviewing officer of the commissioning ceremony of medical cadets in the Indian Armed Forces.
Of the five cadets commissioned, one has been inducted into the Indian Air Force and four into the Indian Army.
While speaking with media persons on the sidlines of the event, Admiral Sarin also spoke about how research work was in progress. 'MoUs have been signed with IIT Chennai, IIT Mumbai and others. We are also actively working on areas like sports medicine – mainly sports injury prevention and sleep medicine,' Admiral Sarin said. According to the DGAFMS, it will be important to leverage sports medicine specialists and emerging technologies to reduce injuries during training and operations, thereby preserving manpower and maintaining the fitness of soldiers.
'Armed Forces Medical Services are mandated to look after the troops 24/7 for their health and we continue to do that with dedication and commitment. We are combat ready, credible and cohesive. Call us at any time, we are ready,' Admiral Sarin said. She also narrated the case of Major Bachwala Rohit, a gynaecologist, who was lauded after he helped a pregnant woman deliver a baby at Jhansi railway station.
Sarin also spoke about the success of Early Intervention Centres and how they were benefiting children with neurodevelopmental disorders of soldiers, sailors and airmen and helping boost their morale.
The Armed Forces Medical Services, as part of the Gaganyaan mission, is involved in addressing the healthcare needs of the astronauts. 'A dedicated team, trained through rigorous and meticulous preparation, is in place. There are teams from Centre for Advanced Research- Space Psychology at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine(IAM) , Bengaluru to address other needs. Experiments are underway and there will be a lot of learnings. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's experience about the Axiom-4 Space mission, including effects of microgravity in space, will be crucial,' Admiral Sarin said.
Armed Forces Medical College has set up its state-of-the-art Genome Sequencing Laboratory, equipped with cutting-edge Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) platforms. 'The lab is designed to support advanced research in inherited diseases, oncology, transplant medicine, and reproductive health, enabling precise diagnosis of rare genetic disorders and molecular profiling of malignancies,' Lt Gen Pankaj Rao, Commandant, AFMC said. The college's Department of Medical Research and multi-disciplinary research unit has also been instrumental in launching over a dozen molecular research projects. The projects at DMR also encompass epigenetics in diabetes, microRNA expression in various diseases, gene polymorphisms in cancer and autoimmune disorders.
'This facility will not only serve the Armed Forces but also contribute to the broader medical community through groundbreaking research and improved diagnostics,' Surgeon Vice Admiral Sarin said. She also added that AFMC has made medical simulation an essential part of its training curriculum at all levels with a vision to improve skills and understanding towards imparting holistic care. 'These simulators replicate real-life scenarios, allowing students to practice advanced life trauma support, basic and advanced cardiac life support, surgical, obstetric and laparoscopic procedures in a controlled environment,' Admiral Sarin added.
Anuradha Mascarenhas is a journalist with The Indian Express and is based in Pune. A senior editor, Anuradha writes on health, research developments in the field of science and environment and takes keen interest in covering women's issues. With a career spanning over 25 years, Anuradha has also led teams and often coordinated the edition.
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