The Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) is actively exploring the use of drone technology to deliver blood bags, medicines, and medical equipment to hilly and remote locations. Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, Director General of AFMS, made the announcement on Saturday during the commissioning ceremony of five new medical cadets at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune.
“We are considering drone use for medical deliveries and even foresee a future where medical evacuations might be carried out using drones,” she said. The technology is currently under consideration for a pilot project in difficult-to-access terrains.
Astronaut Healthcare: AFMS Steps into Space
Vice Admiral Sarin also revealed that the AFMS is responsible for the health and medical needs of all four astronauts involved in the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station, including astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
She added that the Institute of Aviation Medicine is offering primary healthcare support in the United States, with an Indian Air Force Group Captain stationed in Houston, Texas, to oversee the crew’s well-being.
AFMS Integrates AI, Telemedicine, and Point-of-Care Devices
In addition to deploying drone technology, the AFMS is actively integrating advanced tools to enhance healthcare delivery. These include telemedicine, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and point-of-care diagnostic devices. “Non-military agencies already use such technologies, and we are adapting them for military settings,” Sarin noted.
AFMC’s Technological and Academic Advancements
AFMC Commandant Lt Gen Pankaj Rao emphasized that military medicine is embracing technological innovations across all levels, from prevention to treatment. He highlighted that the college plays a key role in fostering research and innovation.
The AFMC has established a state-of-the-art Genome Sequencing Laboratory equipped with advanced Next-Generation Sequencing platforms. This lab supports cutting-edge research in genetic diagnostics and therapy, particularly in fields like inherited diseases, oncology, transplant medicine, and reproductive health.
Pioneering Medical Research and Training
The Department of Medical Research and the Multi-disciplinary Research Unit at AFMC have initiated over a dozen molecular research projects. The college is also integrating medical simulation training into its core curriculum, replicating real-life clinical scenarios for practical learning.
New Cadets Commissioned into Armed Forces
As reported by Hindustan Times, the commissioning ceremony marked the induction of five medical cadets. One cadet joined the Indian Air Force, while four were inducted into the Indian Army. The AFMC reaffirmed its commitment to promoting undergraduate and postgraduate research, training, and collaboration with national and international institutions.
The AFMC continues to focus on research, innovation, and advanced healthcare delivery. It is steadily cementing its position as a centre of excellence in multi-dimensional military medical education.