Vice Admiral Sameer Saxena, AVSM, NM, recently conducted a visit to the School of Medical Assistants (SOMA) at INS Asvini to assess the training standards and educational infrastructure designed for medical sailors in the Indian Navy. The visit took place on January 15, 2026, marking a significant effort to ensure that the medical personnel are well-prepared for their crucial roles.
During his inspection, Vice Admiral Saxena reviewed several training facilities, notably the advanced Simulation Centre, which highlights the institution’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art, technology-driven education to future healthcare professionals. He received comprehensive briefings on the curriculum and training methodologies utilized at SOMA, emphasizing the significance of simulation-based learning. This innovative approach plays a crucial role in preparing medical personnel for both operational and emergency scenarios, ensuring they can perform effectively under pressure.
Further, the Vice Admiral engaged with students and instructors during his visit, stressing the need for rigorous, realistic, and ongoing training. He pointed out that well-trained medical personnel are essential to the operational readiness and sustainability of naval forces. His interactions underscored the importance of maintaining a high caliber of training to equip medical sailors with the skills necessary to address the challenges they may face both at sea and on land.
This visit underscored the Indian Navy’s dedication to upholding high-quality medical education and fostering professional excellence within its ranks. By reaffirming SOMA’s pivotal role in delivering top-tier healthcare support across the fleet, Vice Admiral Saxena highlighted the Navy’s commitment to ensuring that its medical personnel are among the best-trained in the field.
