A ceremonial parade commemorating the completion of the Medical Officers Basic Course (MOBC-251) took place at the Army Medical Corps (AMC) Centre & College in Lucknow on Wednesday. This significant event celebrated the graduation of 124 medical officers, which included 26 women officers, who successfully completed a demanding nine-week training program that included representatives from all three branches of the armed services.
The parade was graced by the presence of Lt Gen Shivinder Singh, the Commandant of AMC Centre & College, who reviewed the proceedings and delivered an inspiring address to the new officers of the Armed Forces Medical Service (AFMS). He urged them to embrace the professional ethos inherent in the medical corps and to dedicate themselves to serving both the nation and the global community with attributes such as humility, empathy, and compassion. Lt Gen Singh, who assumed command in October 2024, brings a wealth of experience to his role, particularly in cardiac anaesthesia and critical care, having previously served as the Medical General Officer at Headquarters Northern Command.
Among those recognized for exceptional performance during the course was Capt Manraj Sirohi, the Regimental Medical Officer for the 4 Ladakh Scouts, who was honored as the Best All-round Officer. This prestigious recognition reflects his outstanding achievements throughout the rigorous training. The 4 Ladakh Scouts are renowned as “Snow Warriors,” specializing in mountain infantry operations, particularly in cold-weather and high-altitude warfare, and they played a crucial role in the historic capture of the Siachen Glacier in 1984.
The parade took place at the Officers Training College (OTC) of the AMC Centre & College and showcased an impressive display of military precision and discipline. Images shared by the Army Training Command (ARTRAC) captured the moment Lt Gen Singh reviewed the parade from a military vehicle, as well as his presentation of the award to Capt Sirohi. Group photographs of the graduating officers in their ceremonial uniforms were also highlighted.
The AMC Centre & College is integral to the training of medical officers for the AFMS, which is responsible for providing healthcare services to Indian Army personnel, veterans, and their families across a network of 133 military hospitals. The AFMS is further supported by specialized institutions such as the Army Institute of Cardio-Thoracic Sciences located in Pune and conducts advanced training through its Command Hospitals. Established in 1943, the Army Medical Corps has a rich heritage that traces back to the Indian Medical Service of 1612, evolving into an essential element of the Indian Army’s healthcare system.
This ceremony highlights the Indian Army’s dedication to cultivating skilled medical professionals capable of operating in diverse and demanding environments, ensuring the health and well-being of its personnel while contributing to humanitarian efforts both nationally and globally.
