ARMY DOCTORS- Gaurav

“A fortnight before I walk into the sunset after almost 4 decades of a sole enriching journey of soldering and healing” Said by Lieutenant General(retd) RS Grewal (Director General Medical Services (Army)) while reviewing the passing out parade of the B3 batch(2020) of The Armed Forces Medical College, Pune

It was 3 April 1943 Saturday, when the Indian Army Medical Corps came into existence with the motto of ‘Sarve Santu Niramaya’ which means may all be free from disease and disabilities.

A Doctor and a Soldier often fall on the same level, the sole motive of a doctor is to somewhat put an end to the sufferings of an individual whereas a soldier selflessly provides protection all, keeping everyone ahead of themselves, but what do you call a doctor serving in the armed forces??

Doctors in the armed forces have completely different lives when put at par with their civilian counterparts. Ranging from the working environment, climatic conditions, terrain, to infrastructure.

Army doctors are the first medical responders during times of natural calamities and in some of the distant villages and parts of North East, Sundarbans, and Lakshadweep all the medical care provided to the locals is by the doctors of the Armed Forces.

In India, there are 2 ways to become doctors in the Indian Armed Forces

After Neet seeking admission in the prestigious Armed Forces Medical College, Pune, or If you have an army background you can seek admission into The Army College of Medical Sciences, New Delhi or The Army College of Dental Sciences, Secunderabad, Telangana

After completing your Undergraduate, you can apply for the vacancies and appear for SSB

The hospitals of Armed Forces provide comprehensive care not just to the serving member but to their family including wife/husband, kids, and dependent parents but do not serve civilians.

The hospitals are equipped with all the modern equipment and even the doctors go hand in hand with all the latest research developments taking place around the globe.

The blood test reports prepared at Armed Forces Medical College, Pune have global acceptance.

As of 2020, there are 112 Military Hospitals, 12 Air Force Hospitals, and 10 Naval Hospitals.

The Army Hospital Research and Referral

It is the apex flagship medical care center for the Armed forces of India. It is the only Armed Forces Medical Services Hospital to be commanded by a Lieutenant General rank officer and provides for 27 sub-specialties. It is one of the largest military hospitals in Asia.

This hospital is also meant to cater to the President of India and the chiefs of the military.

The hospital also treats SAARC nation’s armed forces patients here. Exchange program with CIS nations for doctors and paramedics also takes place.

The first patient simulator in India was acquired by the hospital.

The first cervical disc replacement and bi-level cervical disc replacement in Asia was carried out in the hospital's neurosurgery department in 2002 and 2003 respectively. The assisted reproductive technology facility at the hospital undertook 500 test tube pregnancies in 2012 itself.

The Army Organ and Retrieval Transplantation Organisation (AORTA), formed in 2006, handles organ donations at RR Hospital. The conversion rate for organ donations at RR Hospital is among the best worldwide.

“Quartered in snow, silent to remain. When the bugle calls, they shall rise and march again” a famous saying at the Siachen base camp

A story of 3 budding doctors whose lives just changed and they got their names written in the books of history which even today continue to inspire lots. Now Col Dr. Vijay Kumar, Dr. Rajesh W Adhau, and Dr. V.V.Sharma were posted in their hospitals when the Kargil war broke out and they turned from being just doctors to frontline soldiers with combat experience while playing a pivot role in reducing the casualties and saving countless lives of our brave hearts which eventually led then to being awarded The Sena Medal for Gallantry.

In an interview, Col Sharma remembered those days and too went down the memory lane sharing insights of those days. He said “In Kargil, it was about managing casualties in a rugged high altitude area with no cover and especially under heavy enemy fire and artillery shelling. I used to manage casualties inside temporary bunkers, and also in the open, which was quite challenging taking into consideration the extreme medical conditions.”

“Because of me moving close to the battlefield, I could save about 150 casualties. Whenever I meet these soldiers and their families, it gives me strength, and their smiling faces, which are full of gratitude, often tells me that I have done my bit as doctor and soldier in uniform”

On the battlefield, the medical camps are usually set up close to where the actual face off is taking place. This has both pros and cons as the wounded can get proper care in the so-called Golden Hour after the injury but there have been instances of medical camps coming under indirect fire of the enemy.

According to the Geneva convention during war firing on a doctor or first aid assistant is considered unethical.

Doctors who serve with the Armored regiment are trained to fire as well as load tank guns along with driving them.

Major Dr. Laishram Jyotin Singh was an Officer in the Army Medical Corps of the Indian Army, who died fighting a suicide bomber during the attack on the Indian Embassy in Kabul on 26 February 2010. For his act of exemplary courage, grit, selflessness, and valor he was awarded the Ashok Chakra.

It is never easy to be two things at the same moment but still, there are a lot of heroes who are out there serving the nation who certainly leave an impact on the minds and hearts of a lot who come across them.

Very rightly it is said that not all heroes wear a cape.

‘Courage is to hold on a minute longer’

– A beautiful and impactful saying of the Armed Forces

A huge salute to all serving in the Armed Forces

Jai Hind !!