Lieutenant General Devendra Sharma, the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Army Training Command, recently conducted a significant visit to the Indian Naval Hospital Ship Asvini, as well as the School of Medical Assistants and the Institute of Naval Medicine. This visit, which occurred on July 16, 2026, was aimed at reviewing these institutions’ contributions to military healthcare, medical education, and research. The event highlighted the increasing importance of tri-service collaboration in delivering combat medical support, reaffirming the Indian Armed Forces’ dedication to providing top-tier healthcare for service members and their families.
During his visit, Lt Gen Sharma received detailed briefings on the advanced medical capabilities and specialized training initiatives being executed at these premier naval medical institutions. He evaluated the roles these facilities play in offering comprehensive tertiary healthcare services while preparing military medical personnel to meet the evolving challenges presented by modern operational environments.
The Army Commander praised INHS Asvini for its exceptional medical care standards, noting the facility’s modern infrastructure and patient-centered delivery systems. He acknowledged the institution’s contributions to specialized tertiary healthcare for military personnel and their families. Lt Gen Sharma emphasized that INHS Asvini not only excels in conventional healthcare but also plays a crucial role in medical education, research, and operational readiness.
A key focus of the visit was on enhancing cross-training initiatives among the three services—Army, Navy, and Air Force—as essential for fostering stronger tri-service medical cooperation. Lt Gen Sharma pointed out that in an era characterized by joint operations, the sharing of expertise and best practices has become vital for improving overall military medical capabilities.
He noted that cross-training not only promotes professional excellence but is also critical for building a common operational understanding and improving interoperability across military medical services. Such collaborative efforts enhance the Armed Forces’ ability to provide timely and effective medical support, both in peacetime and during operational deployments.
The discussions during the visit also stressed the importance of strengthening medical preparedness to meet the complex healthcare requirements of modern battlefields. Lt Gen Sharma highlighted the need for trained medical personnel adept in delivering advanced trauma care and life-saving interventions under challenging conditions. Additionally, he recognized mental resilience as a crucial aspect of comprehensive healthcare support, underscoring the Armed Forces’ commitment to addressing the psychological challenges faced by military personnel.
Lt Gen Sharma commended the initiatives undertaken by INHS Asvini in medical innovation and research, thereby improving patient outcomes and enhancing combat casualty care. Advancements in military healthcare have strategic importance, particularly in areas such as trauma management, telemedicine, and specialized treatment protocols designed for varied operational environments.
The visit also underscored the critical role played by the School of Medical Assistants and the Institute of Naval Medicine in training healthcare professionals capable of operating in both operational and tertiary healthcare settings. Their role is vital in maintaining excellence within the Armed Forces Medical Services.
In conclusion, Lt Gen Sharma reaffirmed the need for continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration among military healthcare institutions to effectively tackle future challenges. He noted that integrating advanced medical capabilities, specialized training, and tri-service cooperation is essential for enhancing the healthcare ecosystem of the Indian Armed Forces.
This visit reaffirms the Indian Armed Forces’ dedication to offering world-class medical support while continuously improving operational medical preparedness through innovation and professionalism. By strengthening tri-service cooperation and advancing medical capabilities, institutions like INHS Asvini are instrumental in safeguarding the health and well-being of the military community.
