The 74th Armed Forces Medical Conference, ARMEDiCON-2026, commenced at the Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) in Pune, bringing together key figures from the military medical community. This significant academic and professional event aimed to address the evolving landscape of military medicine.
The inauguration featured Lt Gen Pratik K Sharma, the Chief Guest and General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Northern Command, who delivered the keynote address. He emphasized the emerging medical challenges faced in modern military operations, highlighting the essential need for innovation, preparedness, and integration to enhance operational medical support.
Surg Vice Adm Arti Sarin, Director General of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), offered her inaugural address focusing on the urgent need to boost research, training, and institutional collaboration within military medicine. She underscored that military medicine serves as the foundation of AFMS and that ongoing capability enhancement is crucial for addressing future operational and humanitarian crises.
The conference attracted senior AFMS leadership, veterans, and notable guests, showcasing a wealth of experience within the organization. Among the highlights were expert lectures by Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, the former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and Lt Gen Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd), who shared insights on healthcare leadership, research, and the intersection of healthcare with national security.
With over 200 officers from the AFMS in attendance, the conference aimed to discuss advancements in healthcare delivery, medical training, and research within the military. This multi-day event emphasized the importance of knowledge exchange, innovation, and professional collaboration, reinforcing the critical role of military medicine in maintaining the health and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
