The Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) on Thursday signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to undertake advanced research on medical tools and equipment aimed at improving healthcare delivery for troops deployed in remote and high-risk border areas.
This collaboration marks a first for the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) and signals a major step toward strengthening medical support in challenging operational environments.
A First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration for the Armed Forces
As reported by TOI, the partnership will focus on developing cutting-edge solutions in what experts describe as “combat medicine.” These innovations will address healthcare challenges unique to military operations, particularly in extreme terrains where access, logistics, and timely care remain critical concerns.
By combining military medical expertise with advanced engineering and scientific research, the initiative aims to create practical, field-ready solutions for defence healthcare.
IISc Brings Advanced Bioengineering Expertise
Describing the collaboration as a “game changer,” Prof. Navakanta Bhat, Dean of the Division of Interdisciplinary Sciences at IISc, said the institutions will jointly develop technologies to improve healthcare delivery in combat scenarios.
“Our research will focus on medical tools, specialised equipment, emerging technologies, and contemporary challenges faced by troops operating in extreme environments,” he said. He added that IISc’s Bioengineering Department has already worked on advanced wound-healing technologies and will now extend this expertise to defence-specific medical needs.
AFMS Focuses on Technology-Driven Medical Support
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of AFMS, emphasised the armed forces’ growing reliance on technology to overcome operational and logistical constraints.
“We are planning to use drones for medicine delivery in remote locations and to expand telemedicine services across difficult terrains,” she said. “This MoU is a crucial step in that direction. IISc will provide advanced bioengineering solutions, while our doctors will define real-time operational requirements.”
Additionally, the agreement will allow AFMS doctors to pursue PhD programmes at IISc, strengthening research capacity within the military medical ecosystem.
AFMC Strengthens Innovation and Field-Relevant Research
AFMC Commandant Lt Gen Pankaj Rao noted that the institution has already established an innovation cell focused on developing medical tools tailored for military use.
“This collaboration will enable our cadets and doctors to work closely with engineering experts to design equipment that directly meets field requirements,” he said. “All AFMC departments will actively engage with IISc faculty to ensure multidisciplinary cooperation.”
Digital Transformation of Military Healthcare
Highlighting the evolution of digital health within the armed forces, Vice Admiral Sarin said AFMS is systematically adopting digital platforms to improve efficiency, transparency, and quality of care.
“We are creating an integrated digital backbone for medical governance and developing a standardised health information management system across all three services,” she said. “Telemedicine services are also being strengthened through upgraded modules that support specialist consultations.”
She added that AFMS has onboarded the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to enable secure health data integration across systems.
Expanding Telemedicine Across Difficult Terrains
Currently, several telemedicine nodes are operational across the armed forces, and this network continues to expand in collaboration with ISRO’s Space Applications Centre.
“For us, digital health is not just about technology,” Vice Admiral Sarin said. “It is about improving access, continuity of care, and patient-centric services across all terrains and operational environments.”
Formalisation of a Strategic Partnership
Vice Admiral Arti Sarin and senior IISc faculty members formally signed the MoU, marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration expected to redefine combat medical care and innovation within the Indian armed forces.